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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - PORTSMOUTH SQUARE INCv389184_ex32-2.htm
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EX-14 - EXHIBIT 14 - PORTSMOUTH SQUARE INCv389184_ex14.htm
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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - PORTSMOUTH SQUARE INCv389184_ex31-2.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014

or

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to_________

 

Commission File Number 0-4057

 

PORTSMOUTH SQUARE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

CALIFORNIA   94-1674111
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

 

10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150, Los Angeles, California 90024

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

(310) 889-2500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

_________________________________

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, No Par Value

(Title of class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

¨ Yes x No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.

¨ Yes x No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.                              x Yes ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

x Yes ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K.    x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨
   
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):

¨ Yes x No

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock, no par value, held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the average bid and asked price on December 31, 2013 (the last business day of registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2013) was $3,418,960.

 

The number of shares outstanding of registrant’s Common Stock, as of September 3, 2014, was 734,183.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

  Page
  PART I  
     
Item 1. Business. 4
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors. 10
     
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 10
     
Item 2. Properties. 10
     
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 12
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 13
     
  PART II  
     
Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

13
     
Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 14
     
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 14
     
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 21
     
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 21
     
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 45
     
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 45
     
  PART III  
     
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 46
     
Item 11. Executive Compensation. 49
     
Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

51
     
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 52
     
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 53
     
  PART IV  
     
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 54
     
Signatures   56

 

2
 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They contain words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” “may,” “could,” “might” and other words or phrases of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. From time to time we also provide forward-looking statements in our Forms 10-Q and 8-K, Annual Reports to Shareholders, press releases and other materials we may release to the public. Forward looking statements reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward looking statement. Consequently, no forward looking statement can be guaranteed and our actual future results may differ materially.

 

Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to:

 

·risks associated with the lodging industry, including competition, increases in wages, labor relations, energy and fuel costs, actual and threatened pandemics, actual and threatened terrorist attacks, and downturns in domestic and international economic and market conditions, particularly in the San Francisco Bay area;

 

·risks associated with the real estate industry, including changes in real estate and zoning laws or regulations, increases in real property taxes, rising insurance premiums, costs of compliance with environmental laws and other governmental regulations;

 

·the availability and terms of financing and capital and the general volatility of securities markets;

 

·changes in the competitive environment in the hotel industry;

 

·risks related to natural disasters;

 

·litigation; and

 

·other risk factors discussed below in this Report.

 

We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as to the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects on our Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

3
 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business.

 

GENERAL

 

Portsmouth Square, Inc. (referred to as “Portsmouth” or the “Company” and may also be referred to as “we” “us” or “our”) is a California corporation, incorporated on July 6, 1967, for the purpose of acquiring a hotel property in San Francisco, California through a California limited partnership, Justice Investors (“Justice” or the “Partnership”). As of June 30, 2014, approximately 68.8% of the outstanding common stock of Portsmouth was owned by Santa Fe Financial Corporation (“Santa Fe”), a public company (OTCBB: SFEF). Santa Fe is an 80.9%-owned subsidiary of The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”), a public company (NASDAQ: INTG). InterGroup also directly owns approximately 12.9% of the common stock of Portsmouth.

 

Portsmouth’s primary business is conducted through its general and limited partnership interest in Justice Investors, a California limited partnership (“Justice” or the “Partnership”). Portsmouth has a 93% limited partnership interest in Justice and is the sole general partner. The financial statements of Justice are consolidated with those of the Company. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Justice owns a 543-room hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco California, known as the Hilton San Francisco Financial District (the Hotel) and related facilities including a five level underground parking garage. The Hotel is operated by the partnership as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. Justice also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (Prism) to perform the day-to-day management functions of the Hotel. The parking garage that is part of the Hotel property is managed by Ace Parking pursuant to a contract with the Partnership.

 

The parking garage that is part of the Hotel property is managed by Ace Parking Management, Inc. pursuant to a contract with the Partnership. Portsmouth also receives management fees as a general partner of Justice for its services in overseeing and managing the Partnership’s assets. Those fees are eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Company also derives income from the investment of its cash and investment securities assets. The Company has invested in income-producing instruments, equity and debt securities and will consider other investments if such investments offer growth or profit potential. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a discussion of the Company’s marketable securities and other investments.

 

4
 

 

RECENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

 

Limited Partnership Redemption and Restructuring

 

In December 2013, the Partnership determined to restructure its ownership to facilitate a refinancing of the Hotel and redeem the interests of certain Partners, including Evon. In the course of this refinancing, restructuring and redemption, the Partnership created Justice Holdings Company, LLC (“Holdings”), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Justice Operating Company, LLC (“Operating”) and Justice Mezzanine Company, LLC (“Mezzanine”). Holdings and Mezzanine are both a wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership; Operating is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mezzanine. Mezzanine is the Mezzanine borrower and in December 2013, the Partnership conveyed ownership of the Hotel to Operating.

 

On December 18, 2013, the Partnership completed an Offer to Redeem any and all limited partnership interests not held by Portsmouth and the Loan Agreements, as defined below. In addition, the Partnership approved amendments to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which amendments became effective upon the completion of the Offer to Redeem and the consummation of the Loan Agreements. Such amendments are described below. As a result, Portsmouth, which prior to the Offer to Redeem owned 50% of the then outstanding limited partnership interests now controls approximately 93% of the voting interest in Justice and is now its sole General Partner.

 

Pursuant to the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership has accepted tenders, for cash, from Evon, a general partner and seventy-three of the limited partners representing approximately 29.173% of partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem for $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. On December 19, 2013, Justice distributed the amounts due each of these former partners pursuant to the terms of the tender offer.

 

In addition, the Partnership has accepted the election of holders of approximately 17.146% of the limited partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem to participate in an alternate redemption structure. Under that alternative redemption structure, the Partnership paid to Holdings $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. Those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure may within 12 months of December 18, 2013, designate property for Holdings to purchase and then require Holdings to transfer that property to the partner in redemption of that partner’s interest in the Partnership. The governing agreement also provides for other possible methods of redeeming the interests of the partners who elected the alternate redemption structure. During the year ended June 30, 2014, a total of $2,928,000 was redeemed under the alternative redemption structure. As of June 30, 2014, the current and deferred payments related to the alternative redemption structure, which are held by Justice’s wholly owned subsidiary, Holdings, are classified as restricted cash and, together with the expenses discussed below, total $16,163,000and are classified on the balance sheet as redemption payable.

 

The Partnership incurred approximately $6,681,000 in restructuring costs relating to the Offer to Redeem and related financing transactions, including a one-time management fee of $1,550,000, approximately $431,000 in legal, accounting and other professional expenses, and payment of a Documentary Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Documentary Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel to Operating and other documents related to the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership believes the amount of Documentary Transfer tax that was assessed by CCSF was incorrect, the tax was paid, under protest, to allow for the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of all related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund claim with the CCSF. No prediction can be made as to whether CCSF’s calculation of the tax will be upheld, or whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

In connection with the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership retired existing debt and replaced it with lower-yielding loans, the proceeds of which were used to fund the Offer to Redeem and to provide for additional working capital for the Hotel. The Partnership incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $3,910,000 which included a yield maintenance (prepayment penalty) expense of $3,808,000 and a write-off of capitalized loan costs on the refinanced debt of approximately $102,000.

 

5
 

 

As a result of the ownership structure implemented in December 2013, the Partnership is the indirect sole owner of a 543-room hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco, California, now known as the Hilton San Francisco Financial District (the Hotel) and related facilities including a five level underground parking garage. The Hotel is operated by Operating as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. Operating also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (Prism) to perform management functions for the Hotel. The management agreement with Prism had an original term of ten years and can be terminated at any time with or without cause by the Partnership owner. Effective January 2014, the management agreement with Prism was amended by the Partnership. Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement, which is for a term of 3 years, but which can be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause.

 

HILTON HOTELS FRANCHISE LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

The Partnership entered into a Franchise License agreement (the License agreement) with the Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton) on December 10, 2004. The term of the License agreement is for a period of 15 years commencing on the opening date, with an option to extend the license agreement for another five years, subject to certain conditions.

 

Beginning on the opening date in January 2006, the Partnership paid monthly royalty fees for the first two years of three percent (3%) of the Hotel’s gross room revenue for the preceding calendar month; the third year was at four percent (4%) of the Hotel’s gross room revenue; and the fourth year until the end of the term will be five percent (5%) of the Hotel’s gross room revenue. The Partnership also pays a monthly program fee of four percent (4%) of the Hotel’s gross revenue. The amount of the monthly program fee is subject to change; however, the increase cannot exceed one percent (1%) of the Hotel gross room revenue in any calendar year, and the cumulative increases in the monthly fees will not exceed five percent (5%) of gross room revenue. The Hotel is also subject to certain penalties if fees are not paid timely. The royalty, program and penalty fees are referred to collectively as “Franchise fees.” Franchise fees for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $3,806,000 and $3,374,000, respectively.

 

The Partnership also pays Hilton a monthly information technology recapture charge of up to 0.75% of the Hotel’s gross revenues. Due to the difficult economic environment, Hilton agreed to reduce its information technology fees to 0.65%. For the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, those charges were $270,000 and $236,000, respectively.

 

HOTEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

On February 2, 2007, the Partnership entered into an agreement with Prism to manage and operate the Hotel as its agent. The agreement was effective for a term of ten years, unless the agreement was extended or earlier terminated as provided in the agreement. Under the management agreement, the Partnership was required to pay the base management fees of up to 2.5% of gross operating revenues of the Hotel (i.e., room, food and beverage, and other operating departments) for the fiscal year. Of that amount, 1.75% of the gross operating revenues was paid monthly. The balance or 0.75% was paid only to the extent that the partially adjusted net operating income (net operating income less capital expenditures) for the fiscal year exceeded the amount of the Hotel’s return for the fiscal year. The base management fee was limited to 1.75% for the period ended January 31, 2014 and year ended June 30, 2013, respectively. In January 2014 the Partnership amended the management agreement to a fixed rate of $20,000 per month. It can also earn an incentive fee of $10,500 for each month that the revenues per room of the Hotel exceed the average revenues per room of a defined set of competing hotels. Management fees paid to Prism during the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $579,000 and $754,000, respectively.

 

Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc. (GMP), a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement. The management agreement with GMP has a term of 3 years, but may be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause. Under the agreement, GMP is required to advise the Partnership on the management and operation of the hotel; administer the Partnership’s contracts, leases, agreements with hotel managers and franchisors and other contracts and agreements; provide administrative and asset management services, oversee financial reporting, and maintain offices at the Hotel in order to facilitate provision of services. GMP is paid an annual base management fee of $325,000 per year, increasing by 5% per year, payable in monthly installments, and to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by GMP in performing its obligations under the agreement. During the year ended June 30, 2014, GMP was reimbursed for $235,000, for the salaries, benefits and local payroll taxes for three key employees. Management fees paid to GMP during the year ended June 30, 2014 were $424,000.

 

6
 

 

GARAGE OPERATIONS

 

The Partnership formerly leased the Hotel’s parking garage from its owner, Evon, under a lease that was to expire in November 2010. Effective October 1, 2008, Justice and Evon entered into an installment sale agreement whereby Justice purchased all of Evon’s right, title, and interest in the remaining term of the garage lease and other related assets. Justice also agreed to assume Evon’s contract with Ace Parking Management, Inc. (Ace Parking) for the management of the garage.

 

The garage is currently operated by Ace Parking for the Partnership pursuant to a Parking Facilities Management Agreement (the “Parking Agreement”). The initial term of the Parking Agreement was to expire on October 31, 2010, with an option to renew for another five-year term.

 

On October 31, 2010, the Partnership and Ace Parking entered into an amendment of the Parking Agreement to extend the term for a period of sixty two (62) months, commencing on November 1, 2010 and terminating December 31, 2015, subject to either party’s right to terminate the agreement without cause on ninety (90) days written notice. The monthly management fee of $2,000 and the accounting fee of $250 remain the same, but the amendment modified how the Excess Profit Fee to be paid to Ace Parking would be calculated.

 

The amendment provides that, if net operating income (NOI) from the garage operations exceeds $1,800,000 but is less than $2,000,000, then Ace Parking will be entitled to an Excess Profit Fee of one percent (1%) of the total annual NOI. If the annual NOI is $2,000,000 or higher, Ace Parking will be entitled to an Excess Profit Fee equal to two percent (2%) of the total annual NOI. The garage’s NOI exceeded the annual NOI of $2,000,000 for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. Base Management and incentive fees to Ace Parking amounted to $44,000 for each of the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

CHINESE CULTURE FOUNDATION LEASE

 

On March 15, 2005, the Partnership entered into an amended lease with the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco (the “Foundation”) for the third floor space of the Hotel commonly known as the Chinese Cultural Center, which the Foundation had right to occupy pursuant to a 50-year nominal rent lease.

 

The amended lease requires the Partnership to pay to the Foundation a monthly event space fee in the amount of $5,000, adjusted annually based on the local Consumer Price Index. The term of the amended lease expires on October 17, 2023, with an automatic extension for another 10 year term if the property continues to be operated as a hotel. This amendment allowed Justice to incorporate the third floor into the renovation of the Hotel resulting in a new ballroom for the joint use of the Hotel and new offices and a gallery for the Chinese Culture Center.

 

Seasonality

 

Hotel’s operations historically have been seasonal. Like most hotels in the San Francisco area, the Hotel generally maintains higher occupancy and room rates during the first and second quarters of its fiscal year (July 1 through December 31) than it does in the third and fourth quarters (January 1 through June 30). These seasonal patterns can be expected to cause fluctuations in the quarterly revenues from the Hotel.

 

Competition

 

The hotel industry is highly competitive. Competition is based on a number of factors, most notably convenience of location, brand affiliation, price, range of services and guest amenities or accommodations offered and quality of customer service. Competition is often specific to the individual market in which properties are located.

 

The Hotel is located in an area of intense competition from other hotels in the Financial District and San Francisco in general. The Hotel is somewhat limited by having only 15,000 square feet of meeting room space. Other hotels, with greater meeting room space, may have a competitive advantage by being able to attract larger groups and small conventions. Increased competition from new hotels, or hotels that have been recently undergone substantial renovation, could have an adverse effect on occupancy, average daily rate (“ADR”) and room revenue per available room (“RevPar”) and put pressure on the Partnership to make additional capital improvements to the Hotel to keep pace with the competition.

 

7
 

 

The Hotel’s target market is business travelers, leisure customers and tourists, and small to medium size groups. Since the Hotel operates in an upper scale segment of the market, we also face increased competition from providers of less expensive accommodations, such as limited service hotels, during periods of economic downturn when leisure and business travelers become more sensitive to room rates. Like other hotels, we have experienced some decrease in some higher rated corporate and business travel as many companies have cut their travel and entertainment budgets in response to economic conditions. As a result, there could be added pressure on all hotels in the San Francisco market to lower room rates in an effort to maintain occupancy levels during such periods.

 

Our highest priority remains guest satisfaction. We believe that enhancing the guest experience differentiates the Hotel from our competition by building the most sustainable guest loyalty. During fiscal 2013, we completed a significant, “green” project that retrofits all of our guest room windows with new “double-pane” inserts that result in greater energy savings and better sound attenuation for our guests. We have also upgraded our common areas of the Hotel and improved our restaurant facilities, food and beverage services and now provide advanced technological amenities throughout our lobby. Our guest responses to these improvements have been very positive. The Hotel also remains a leader in implementing Hilton’s Huanying (“Welcome”) program that features a tailored experience for Chinese travelers. We continue taking steps that further develop our ties with the local Chinese community and the city of San Francisco, representing good corporate citizenship and promoting important, new business opportunities.

 

Moving forward, we will continue to focus on cultivating more international business, especially from China, and capturing a greater percentage of the higher rated business, leisure and group travel. We will also continue in our efforts to upgrade our guest rooms and facilities and explore new and innovative ways to differentiate the Hotel from its competition, as well as focusing on returning our food and beverage operations to profitability. During the last twelve months, we have seen steady improvement in business and leisure travel. If that trend in the San Francisco market and the hotel industry continues, it should translate into an increase in room revenues and profitability. However, like all hotels, it will remain subject to the uncertain domestic and global economic environment and other risk factors beyond our control, such as the effect of natural disasters.

 

The Hotel is also subject to certain operating risks common to all of the hotel industry, which could adversely impact performance. These risks include:

 

·Competition for guests and meetings from other hotels including competition and pricing pressure from internet wholesalers and distributors;

 

·increases in operating costs, including wages, benefits, insurance, property taxes and energy, due to inflation and other factors, which may not be offset in the future by increased room rates;

 

·labor strikes, disruptions or lock outs;

 

·dependence on demand from business and leisure travelers, which may fluctuate and is seasonal;

 

·increases in energy costs, cost of fuel, airline fares and other expenses related to travel, which may negatively affect traveling;

 

·terrorism, terrorism alerts and warnings, wars and other military actions, pandemics or other medical events or warnings which may result in decreases in business and leisure travel;

 

·natural disasters; and

 

·adverse effects of downturns and recessionary conditions in international, national and/or local economies and market conditions.

 

8
 

 

Environmental Matters

 

In connection with the ownership of the Hotel, the Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations relating to environmental protection. Under these laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in such property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous or toxic substances.

 

Environmental consultants retained by the Partnership or its lenders conducted updated Phase I environmental site assessments in fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 on the Hotel property. These Phase I assessments relied, in part, on Phase I environmental assessments prepared in connection with the Partnership’s first mortgage loan obtained in July 2005. Phase I assessments are designed to evaluate the potential for environmental contamination on properties based generally upon site inspections, facility personnel interviews, historical information and certain publicly-available databases; however, Phase I assessments will not necessarily reveal the existence or extent of all environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns at the properties.

 

Although the Phase I assessments and other environmental reports we have reviewed disclose certain conditions on our properties and the use of hazardous substances in operation and maintenance activities that could pose a risk of

environmental contamination or liability, we are not aware of any environmental liability that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

The Company believes that the Hotel is in compliance, in all material respects, with all federal, state and local environmental ordinances and regulations regarding hazardous or toxic substances and other environmental matters, the violation of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has not received written notice from any governmental authority of any material noncompliance, liability or claim relating to hazardous or toxic substances or other environmental matters in connection with any of its present properties.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of June 30, 2014, Portsmouth had two full-time employees. The employees of the Company are not part of any collective bargaining agreement, and the Company believes that its employee relations are satisfactory.

 

Employees of Justice and management of the Hotel are not unionized and the Company believes that their relationships with the Hotel are satisfactory and consistent with the market in San Francisco.

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Partnership had approximately 268 employees. Approximately 72% of those employees were represented by one of three labor unions, and their terms of employment were determined under collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). During the year ended June 30, 2014, CBAs for the Local 2 (Hotel and Restaurant Employees), Local 856 (International Brotherhood of Teamsters), and Local 39 (stationary engineers) were renewed. Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, which includes not just terms and conditions of employment, but scope and coverage of employees, is a regular and expected course of business operations for the Partnership.

 

The Partnership expects and anticipates that the terms and conditions of the CBAs will have an impact on wage and benefit costs, operating expenses, and certain Hotel operations during the life of each CBA, and these terms and conditions are taken into account in the Hotel operating and budgetary practices.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The Company files annual and quarterly reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or the “Commission”). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the Commission at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Commission also maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission.

 

9
 

 

Other information about the Company can be found on our parent company’s website www.intgla.com. Reference in this document to that website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 

Item 2. Properties.

 

SAN FRANCISCO HOTEL PROPERTY

 

The Hotel is owned directly by the Partnership. The Hotel is centrally located near the Financial District in San Francisco, one block from the Transamerica Pyramid. The Embarcadero Center is within walking distance and North Beach is two blocks away. Chinatown is directly across the bridge that runs from the Hotel to Portsmouth Square Park. The Hotel is a 31-story (including parking garage), steel and concrete, A-frame building, built in 1970. The Hotel has 543 well-appointed guest rooms and luxury suites situated on 22 floors. The third floor houses the Chinese Culture Center and grand ballroom. The Hotel has approximately 15,000 square feet of meeting room space, including the grand ballroom. Other features of the Hotel include a 5-level underground parking garage and pedestrian bridge across Kearny Street connecting the Hotel and the Chinese Culture Center with Portsmouth Square Park in Chinatown. The bridge, built and owned by the Partnership, is included in the lease to the Chinese Culture Center.

 

Since the Hotel recently completed renovations, there is no present program for any further major renovations; however, the Partnership expects to expend at least 4% of gross annual Hotel revenues each year for capital improvements and requirements. In the opinion of management, the Hotel is adequately covered by insurance.

 

HOTEL FINANCINGS

 

On December 18, 2013: (i) Justice Operating Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Operating”), entered into a loan agreement (“Mortgage Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America (“Mortgage Lender”); and (ii) Justice Mezzanine Company, a Delaware limited liability company (“Mezzanine”), entered into a mezzanine loan agreement (“Mezzanine Loan Agreement” and, together with the Mortgage Loan Agreement, the “Loan Agreements”) with ISBI San Francisco Mezz Lender LLC (“Mezzanine Lender” and, together with Mortgage Lender, the “Lenders”). The Partnership is the sole member of Mezzanine, and Mezzanine is the sole member of Operating.

 

The Loan Agreements provide for a $97,000,000 Mortgage Loan and a $20,000,000 Mezzanine Loan. The proceeds of the Loan Agreements were used to fund the redemption of limited partnership interests described above and the pay-off of the prior mortgage.

 

The Mortgage Loan is secured by the Partnership’s principal asset, the Hilton San Francisco-Financial District (the “Property”). The Mortgage Loan bears an interest rate of 5.28% per annum and matures on January 1, 2024. The term of the Mortgage Loan is 10 years with interest only due in the first three years and equal monthly principal and interest payments based upon a 30 year amortization schedule for the remaining seven years of the Mortgage Loan term. The Mortgage Loan also requires payments for impounds related to property tax, insurance and capital improvement reserves. As additional security for the Mortgage Loan, there is a limited guaranty (“Mortgage Guaranty”) executed by the Company in favor of Mortgage Lender.

 

10
 

 

The Mezzanine Loan is secured by the Operating membership interest held by Mezzanine and is subordinated to the Mortgage Loan. The Mezzanine Loan bears interest at 9.75% per annum and matures on January 1, 2024. Interest only payments are due monthly. As additional security for the Mezzanine Loan, there is a limited guaranty executed by the Company in favor of Mezzanine Lender (the “Mezzanine Guaranty” and, together with the Mortgage Guaranty, the “Guaranties”).

 

The Guaranties are limited to what are commonly referred to as “bad boy” acts, including: (i) fraud or intentional misrepresentations; (ii) gross negligence or willful misconduct; (iii) misapplication or misappropriation of rents, security deposits, insurance or condemnation proceeds; and (iv) failure to pay taxes or insurance. The Guaranties will be full recourse guaranties under identified circumstances, including failure to maintain “single purpose” status which is a factor in a consolidation of Operating or Mezzanine in a bankruptcy of another person, transfer or encumbrance of the Property in violation of the applicable loan documents, Operating or Mezzanine incurring debts that are not permitted, and the Property becoming subject to a bankruptcy proceeding. Pursuant to the Guaranties, the Company is required to maintain a certain minimum net worth and liquidity. As of June 30, 2014, the Company is in compliance with both requirements.

 

Each of the Loan Agreements contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, reporting requirements, affirmative covenants and negative covenants, which impose restrictions on, among other things, organizational changes of the respective borrower, operations of the Property, agreements with affiliates and third parties. Each of the Loan Agreements also provides for mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances (including casualty or condemnation events) and voluntary prepayments, subject to satisfaction of prescribed conditions set forth in the Loan Agreements.

 

On July 27, 2005, Justice entered into a first mortgage loan with The Prudential Insurance Company of America in a principal amount of $30,000,000 (the “Prudential Loan”). The term of the Prudential Loan is for 120 months at a fixed interest rate of 5.22% per annum. The Prudential Loan calls for monthly installments of principal and interest in the amount of approximately $165,000, calculated on a 30-year amortization schedule. The Loan is collateralized by a first deed of trust on the Partnership’s Hotel property, including all improvements and personal property thereon and an assignment of all present and future leases and rents. The Prudential Loan is without recourse to the limited and general partners of Justice. This loan was paid off in full on December 18, 2013 in connection to the refinancing of the loans and partnership redemption.

 

In March 2007, Justice entered into a second mortgage loan with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (the “Second Prudential Loan”) in a principal amount of $19,000,000. The term of the Second Prudential Loan is for approximately 100 months and matures on August 5, 2015, the same date as the Partnership’s first mortgage loan with Prudential. The Second Prudential Loan is at a fixed interest rate of 6.42% per annum and calls for monthly installments of principal and interest in the amount of approximately $119,000, calculated on a 30-year amortization schedule. The Loan is collateralized by a second deed of trust on the Partnership’s Hotel property, including all improvements and personal property thereon and an assignment of all present and future leases and rents. The Loan is without recourse to the limited and general partners of Justice. This loan was paid off in full on December 18, 2013 in connection to the refinancing of the loans and partnership redemption.

 

LAND HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT

 

On August 29, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an investment of $973,000 for Portsmouth to acquire a 50% equity interest in Intergroup Uluniu, Inc., a Hawaii corporation (“Uluniu”) in a related party transaction. Uluniu was a 100% owned subsidiary of The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”). Uluniu owns an approximately two-acre parcel of unimproved land located in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii which is held for development. The Company’s investment in Uluniu represents an amount equal to the costs paid by InterGroup for the acquisition and carrying costs of the property through August 2007. The fairness of the financial terms of the transaction were reviewed and approved by the independent director of the Company.

 

Uluniu intends to obtain the entitlements and permits necessary for the joint development of the parcel with an adjoining landowner into residential units. After the completion of this predevelopment phase, the Uluniu will determine whether it more advantageous to sell the entitled property or to commence with construction. Due to current economic conditions, the project is on hold.

 

11
 

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

In August 2012, two current and four former employees of the Hotel commenced a putative wage and hour class action against the Partnership. The Complaint alleged that the Partnership failed to provide compliant meal periods, failed to authorize and permit compliant rest periods, failed to pay all regular and overtime wages due, failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, and failed to pay all wages owed upon termination of employment.

 

In February 2013, the Partnership agreed to settle the class action lawsuit for $525,000. The amount was accrued as of June 30, 2013 and is included as part of “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prism Hotels L.P. agreed to reimburse the Partnership for 50% of the total amount of the settlement and pay up to $300,000 of legal fees and defense costs incurred in defense of the lawsuit. During fiscal 2013, the Partnership incurred legal costs of $365,000 associated with the lawsuit, of which Prism agreed to pay $300,000 in accordance with the agreement. The amount due to Prism at June 30, 2013 for the management fee was applied against the receivable for the reimbursement of the settlement and legal costs. The Partnership insurance carrier awarded $225,000 in insurance proceeds as a result of a claim related to the settlement. Of the total proceeds, 50%, or $112,500, was allocated to the Partnership and the remaining amount was allocated to Prism. The insurance reimbursement awarded to the Partnership was offset against the related legal expense included as part of “General and administrative” expenses in the statements of income and partners’ accumulated deficit. During the year ended June 30, 2014 the Partnership paid the entire settlement of $525,000.

 

The City of San Francisco’s Tax Collector’s office has claimed that Justice owes the City of San Francisco $2.1 million based on the Tax Collector’s interpretation of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code relating to Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourist Improvement District Assessment. This amount exceeds Justice’s estimate of the taxes owed, and Justice has disputed the claim and is seeking to discharge all penalties and interest charges imposed by the Tax Collector. The Company paid the full amount in March 2014 as part of the appeals process but is reflecting the amount on the balance sheet in “Other Assets, Net” as it is currently under protest.

 

Several legal matters are pending relating to the redemption transaction described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements. As previously stated in Note 2, on December 17, 2013, Documentary Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million was paid to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Documentary Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel to Operating and other documents related to the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership believes the amount of Documentary Transfer tax that was assessed by CCSF was incorrect, the tax was paid, under protest, to allow for the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of all related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund claim with the CCSF. No prediction can be made as to whether CCSF’s calculation of the tax will be upheld, or whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

On February 13, 2014, Evon filed a complaint in San Francisco Superior Court against the Partnership, Portsmouth, and a limited partner and related party asserting contract and tort claims based on Justice’s withholding of $4.7 million from a payment due to Holdings to pay the transfer tax described in Note 2 and Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements. On April 1, 2014, Defendants removed the action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Evon dismissed its complaint on April 8, 2014 and, that same day, filed a second complaint in San Francisco Superior Court substantially similar to the dismissed complaint, except for the omission of a federal cause of action. Evon’s current operative complaint in the action asserts causes of action for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against Justice only; breach of fiduciary duty against Portsmouth only; conversion against Justice and Portsmouth; and fraud/concealment against Justice, Portsmouth and a Justice limited partner and related party. In July 2014, Justice paid to Holdings a total of $4.7 million, the amount Evon claims was incorrectly withheld from Holdings to pay the transfer tax described in Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements. No prediction can be given as to the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

On April 21, 2014, the Partnership commenced an arbitration action against Glaser Weil Fink Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP (formerly known as Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP), Brett J. Cohen, Gary N. Jacobs, Janet S. McCloud, Paul B. Salvaty, and Joseph K. Fletcher III (collectively, the “Respondents”) in connection with the redemption transaction. The arbitration is pending before JAMS in Los Angeles. No prediction can be given as to the outcome of this matter.

 

12
 

 

On June 27, 2014, the Partnership commenced an action in San Francisco Superior Court against Evon, Holdings, and those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure. The action seeks a declaration of the correct interpretation of (i) the special allocations sections of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Justice Investors, a California Limited Partnership, with an effective date of January 1, 2013; and (ii) whether certain partners who elected the alternative redemption structure breached the governing Limited Partnership Interest Redemption Option Agreement. The complaint states that these declarations are relevant to preparation of the Partnership’s 2013 and 2014 state and federal tax returns and the associated Forms K-1 to be issued to affected current and former partners. No prediction can be given as to the outcome of this matter.

 

The Partnership has timely filed its 2013 federal and state partnership income tax returns, however, depending on the ultimate outcome of the Partnership’s declaratory relief action filed in San Francisco Superior Court, the Partnership’s 2013 federal and state partnership income tax returns may be amended.

 

The Partnership is also involved from time to time in various claims in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe that the impact of such matters will have a material effect on the financial conditions or result of operations when resolved.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

MARKET INFORMATION

 

Portsmouth’s common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) under the symbol: PRSI.OB. The following table sets forth the range of the high and low bid quotations as reported by the OTCBB for Portsmouth’s common stock for each full quarterly period for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.

 

Fiscal 2014  High   Low 
         
First Quarter (7/ 1 to 9/30)  $31.65   $26.00 
Second Quarter (10/1 to 12/31)  $40.00   $31.46 
Third Quarter (1/1 to 3/31)  $40.00   $40.00 
Fourth Quarter (4/1 to 6/30)  $40.00   $35.00 

 

Fiscal 2013  High   Low 
         
First Quarter (7/ 1 to 9/30)  $30.00   $21.10 
Second Quarter (10/1 to 12/31)  $30.00   $30.00 
Third Quarter (1/1 to 3/31)  $35.00   $25.00 
Fourth Quarter (4/1 to 6/30)  $35.00   $26.00 

 

HOLDERS

 

As of June 30, 2014, the number of holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock was approximately 134. Such number of owners was determined from the Company's shareholders records and does not include beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock whose shares are held in the names of various brokers, clearing agencies or other nominees. Including beneficial holders there are approximately 369 shareholders of the Company's Common Stock.

 

DIVIDENDS

 

In December 2012, Portsmouth declared a special cash dividend of $0.25 per common share or $184,000, which was paid on December 28, 2012 to shareholders of record as of December 21, 2012 based on Partnership distributions made by Justice during that particular year and other factors. It is expected that the Company will not consider a return to a regular dividend policy until such time that Partnership cash flows, distributions and other economic factors warrant such consideration. The Company will continue to review and modify its dividend policy as needed to meet such strategic and investment objectives as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

13
 

 

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

 

Portsmouth has no securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Portsmouth did not repurchase any of its own securities during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ending June 30, 2014 and does not have any publicly announced repurchase program.

 

Item 6. Selected financial Data.

 

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The Company's principal business is conducted through its general and limited partnership interest in the Justice Investors limited partnership (“Justice” or the “Partnership”). Justice owns a 543 room hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco, California 94108, known as the “Hilton San Francisco Financial District” (the “Hotel”) and related facilities, including a five-level underground parking garage. The financial statements of Justice have been consolidated with those of the Company.

 

The Hotel is operated by the Partnership as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. The term of the Agreement is for a period of 15 years commencing on January 12, 2006, with an option to extend the license term for another five years, subject to certain conditions. Justice also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (“Prism”) to perform the day-to-day management functions of the Hotel.

 

The parking garage that is part of the Hotel property is managed by Ace Parking pursuant to a contract with the Partnership. Portsmouth also receives management fees as a general partner of Justice for its services in overseeing and managing the Partnership’s assets. Those fees are eliminated in consolidation.

 

In December 2013, the Partnership determined to restructure its ownership to facilitate a refinancing of the Hotel and redeem the interests of certain Partners, including Evon. In the course of this refinancing, restructuring and redemption, the Partnership created Justice Holdings Company, LLC (“Holdings”), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Justice Operating Company, LLC (“Operating”) and Justice Mezzanine Company, LLC (“Mezzanine”). Holdings and Mezzanine are both a wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership; Operating is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mezzanine. Mezzanine is the Mezzanine borrower and in December 2013, the Partnership conveyed ownership of the Hotel to Operating.

 

On December 18, 2013, the Partnership completed an Offer to Redeem any and all limited partnership interests not held by Portsmouth and the Loan Agreements, as defined below. In addition, the Partnership approved amendments to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which amendments became effective upon the completion of the Offer to Redeem and the consummation of the Loan Agreements. Such amendments are described below. As a result, Portsmouth, which prior to the Offer to Redeem owned 50% of the then outstanding limited partnership interests now controls approximately 93% of the voting interest in Justice and is now its sole General Partner.

 

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Pursuant to the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership has accepted tenders, for cash, from Evon, a general partner and seventy-three of the limited partners representing approximately 29.173% of partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem for $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. On December 19, 2013, Justice distributed the amounts due each of these former partners pursuant to the terms of the tender offer.

 

In addition, the Partnership has accepted the election of holders of approximately 17.146% of the limited partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem to participate in an alternate redemption structure. Under that alternative redemption structure, the Partnership paid to Holdings $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. Those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure may within 12 months of December 18, 2013, designate property for Holdings to purchase and then require Holdings to transfer that property to the partner in redemption of that partner’s interest in the Partnership. The governing agreement also provides for other possible methods of redeeming the interests of the partners who elected the alternate redemption structure. During the year ended June 30, 2014, a total of $2,928,000 was redeemed under the alternative redemption structure. As of June 30, 2014, the current and deferred payments related to the alternative redemption structure, which are held by Justice’s wholly owned subsidiary, Holdings, are classified as restricted cash and, together with the expenses discussed below, total $16,163,000 and are classified on the balance sheet as redemption payable.

 

The Partnership incurred approximately $6,681,000 in restructuring costs relating to the Offer to Redeem and related financing transactions, including a one-time management fee of $1,550,000, approximately $431,000 in legal, accounting and other professional expenses, and payment of a Documentary Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Documentary Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel to Operating and other documents related to the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership believes the amount of Documentary Transfer tax that was assessed by CCSF was incorrect, the tax was paid, under protest, to allow for the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of all related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund claim with the CCSF. No prediction can be made as to whether CCSF’s calculation of the tax will be upheld, or whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

In connection with the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership retired existing debt and replaced it with lower-yielding loans, the proceeds of which were used to fund the Offer to Redeem and to provide for additional working capital for the Hotel. The Partnership incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $3,910,000 which included a yield maintenance (prepayment penalty) expense of $3,808,000 and a write-off of capitalized loan costs on the refinanced debt of approximately $102,000.

 

As a result of the ownership structure implemented in December 2013, the Partnership is the indirect sole owner of a 543-room hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco, California, now known as the Hilton San Francisco Financial District (the Hotel) and related facilities including a five level underground parking garage. The Hotel is operated by Operating as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. Operating also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (Prism) to perform management functions for the Hotel. The management agreement with Prism had an original term of ten years and can be terminated at any time with or without cause by the Partnership owner. Effective January 2014, the management agreement with Prism was amended by the Partnership. Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement, which is for a term of 3 years, but which can be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause.

 

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013

 

The Company had a net loss of $6,727,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014 compared to net income of $1,820,000 for the year ended June 30, 2013. The significant change in the net (loss) income is primarily attributable to the costs related to the restructuring and redemption of the limited partners of Justice Investors and the related refinancing of the mortgage note on the Hotel. This is partially offset by the continued improvement of Hotel operations prior to the non-recurring expenses.

 

15
 

 

The Company had net loss from Hotel operations of $10,466,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, compared to net income of $3,061,000 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013. The change in the net (loss) income is primarily attributable the costs related to the restructuring and the redemption of the limited partners of Justice and the related refinancing of the mortgage note on the Hotel. This is partially offset by the increase revenues at the Hotel resulting from higher average room rates partially offset by the related increase in operating expenses.

 

The following table sets forth a more detailed presentation of Hotel operations for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

For the year ended June 30,  2014   2013 
Hotel revenues:          
Hotel rooms  $41,502,000   $36,378,000 
Food and beverage   5,862,000    6,617,000 
Garage   2,893,000    2,786,000 
Other operating departments   706,000    784,000 
Total hotel revenues   50,963,000    46,565,000 
Operating expenses, excluding non-recurring charges, depreciation and amortization   (40,805,000)   (38,635,000)
Operating income before non-recurring charges, interest and depreciation and amortization   10,158,000    7,930,000 
Hotel restructuring costs   (6,681,000)   - 
Hotel occupancy tax - penalty fees   (1,278,000)   - 
Income before loss on extinguishment of debt, loss on disposal of assets , interest, depreciation and amortization   2,199,000    7,930,000 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   (3,910,000)   - 
Loss on disposal of assets   (1,092,000)   - 
Interest expense - mortgage   (4,960,000)   (2,612,000)
Interest expense - occupancy tax   (328,000)   - 
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,375,000)   (2,257,000)
           
Net (loss) income from Hotel operations  $(10,466,000)  $3,061,000 

 

For the year ended June 30, 2014, the Hotel generated operating income of $10,158,000 before non-recurring charges and interest and depreciation and amortization on total operating revenues of $50,963,000 compared to operating income of $7,930,000 before non-recurring charges and interest and depreciation and amortization on total operating revenues of $46,565,000 for the year ended June 30, 2013.  Room revenues increased by $5,124,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014 compared to the year ended June 30, 2013 primarily as the result of higher room rates from the improving economy and increased tourism.   Food and beverage revenues decreased by $755,000 due to the closing of certain outlets that were not profitable and garage revenues increased by $107,000 for the same period due to the increase in transient parking.

  

Major factors for the increase in operating expenses were an increase in contractual union wages and benefits in all operating departments and higher commissions paid for certain group and city-wide convention business in the current period. Franchise and management fees, which are based on a percentage of revenues, also increased as well as costs for certain promotions for Hilton Honors members during the current period. However, management fees which are based on a percentage of revenues, also decreased as the result of the new revised agreement. Justice paid a flat rate fee beginning in January of 2014.

 

The following table sets forth the average daily room rate, average occupancy percentage and room revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) of the Hotel for the year ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

Nine Months 
Ended March 31,
  Average
Daily Rate
   Average
Occupancy %
   RevPAR 
             
2014  $229    92%  $209 
2013  $205    90%  $184 

 

16
 

 

Room revenues remained strong as the San Francisco market continued to have good demand for higher rated business. The Hotel’s average daily rate increased by $24 for the year ended June 30, 2014 compared to the year ended June 30, 2013, while occupancy percentages increased to 92% from 90%. As a result, the Hotel was able to achieve a RevPAR number that was $25 higher than the comparative prior year period.

 

The Partnership incurred approximately $6,681,000 in restructuring costs relating to the Offer to Redeem and related financing transactions, including a one-time management fee of $1,550,000, approximately $431,000 in legal, accounting and other professional expenses, and payment of a Documentary Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Documentary Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel to Operating and other documents related to the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership believes the amount of Documentary Transfer tax that was assessed by CCSF was incorrect, the tax was paid, under protest, to allow for the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of all related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund claim with the CCSF. No prediction can be made as to whether CCSF’s calculation of the tax will be upheld, or whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

In connection with the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership retired existing debt and replaced it with lower-yielding loans, the proceeds of which were used to fund the Offer to Redeem and to provide for additional working capital for the Hotel. The Partnership incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $3,910,000 which included a yield maintenance (prepayment penalty) expense of $3,808,000 and a write-off of capitalized loan costs on the refinanced debt of approximately $102,000.

 

The City of San Francisco’s Tax Collector’s office has claimed that Justice owes the City of San Francisco $2.1 million based on the Tax Collector’s interpretation of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code relating to Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourist Improvement District Assessment. This amount exceeds Justice’s estimate of the taxes owed, and Justice has disputed the claim and is seeking to discharge all penalties and interest charges imposed by the Tax Collector. The Company paid the full amount in March 2014 as part of the appeals process but is reflecting the amount on the balance sheet in “Other Assets, Net” as it is currently under protest.

 

In December 2013, Justice determined to substantially demolish the Hotel’s ground-level Spa (with the exception of the ceilings and certain mechanical systems) to build out additional meeting rooms, a technology lounge and re-locate Hotel offices. Justice believes this will result in a greater guest experience and increases in operating revenues. Justice recorded a loss of approximately $738,000 as a disposal of assets on the closure of the Hotel’s Spa on the lobby level.

 

Our highest priority is guest satisfaction. We believe that enhancing the guest experience differentiates the Hotel from our competition by building the most sustainable guest loyalty. During fiscal 2013, we completed a significant, “green” project that retrofits all of our guest room windows with new “double-pane” inserts that result in greater energy savings and better sound attenuation for our guests. We have also upgraded our common areas of the Hotel and improved our restaurant facilities, food and beverage services and now provide advanced technological amenities throughout our lobby. Our guest responses to these improvements have been very positive. The Hotel also remains a leader in implementing Hilton’s Huanying (“Welcome”) program that features a tailored experience for Chinese travelers. We continue taking steps that further develop our ties with the local Chinese community and the city of San Francisco, representing good corporate citizenship and promoting important, new business opportunities.

 

Moving forward, we will continue to focus on cultivating more international business, especially from China, and capturing a greater percentage of the higher rated business, leisure and group travel. We will also continue in our efforts to upgrade our guest rooms and facilities and explore new and innovative ways to differentiate the Hotel from its competition, as well as focusing on returning our food and beverage operations to profitability. During the last twelve months, we have seen steady improvement in business and leisure travel. If that trend in the San Francisco market and the hotel industry continues, it should translate into an increase in room revenues and profitability. However, like all hotels, it will remain subject to the uncertain domestic and global economic environment and other risk factors beyond our control, such as the effect of natural disasters.

 

17
 

 

The Company had a net gain on marketable securities of $237,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014 compared to a net loss on marketable securities of $507,000 for the year ended June 30, 2013. For the year ended June 30, 2014, the Company had a net realized gain of $203,000 and a net unrealized gain of $34,000. For the year ended June 30, 2013, the Company had a net realized loss of $51,000 and a net unrealized loss of $456,000. Gains and losses on marketable securities and other investments may fluctuate significantly from period to period in the future and could have a significant impact on the Company’s net income. However, the amount of gain or loss on marketable securities and other investments for any given period may have no predictive value and variations in amount from period to period may have no analytical value. For a more detailed description of the composition of the Company’s marketable securities please see the Marketable Securities section below.

 

The Company consolidates Justice (Hotel) for financial reporting purposes and is not taxed on its non-controlling interest in the Hotel.  The income tax benefit (expense) during the year ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 represents the income tax effect on the Companys pretax income which includes its share in net income (loss) of the Hotel. The Company’s tax benefit as a percentage of the Company’s income (loss) before income taxes has increased in fiscal 2014 due to the redemption and a larger ownership in Justice.

 

MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

 

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had investments in marketable equity securities of $3,280,000 and $3,324,000, respectively. The following table shows the composition of the Company’s marketable securities portfolio by selected industry groups as:

 

As of June 30, 2014

 

       % of Total 
       Investment 
Industry Group  Fair Value   Securities 
         
 Basic materials  $1,772,000    54.0%
 Technology   389,000    11.9%
 Financial services   175,000    5.3%
 REITs and real estate companies   167,000    5.1%
 Other   777,000    23.7%
   $3,280,000    100.0%

 

As of June 30, 2013

 

       % of Total 
       Investment 
Industry Group  Fair Value   Securities 
         
 Basic materials  $1,513,000    45.5%
 Technology   622,000    18.7%
 Financial services   526,000    15.8%
 REITs and real estate companies   255,000    7.7%
 Other   408,000    12.3%
   $3,324,000    100.0%

 

The Company’s investment portfolio is diversified with 25 different equity positions. The Company holds four equity securities that comprise of more than 10% of the equity value of the portfolio. The largest security represents 52.9% of the portfolio and consists of the common stock of Comstock Mining, Inc. (“Comstock” - NYSE MKT: LODE) which is included in the basic materials industry group. The amount of the Company’s investment in any particular issuer may increase or decrease, and additions or deletions to its securities portfolio may occur, at any time. While it is the internal policy of the Company to limit its initial investment in any single equity to less than 10% of its total portfolio value, that investment could eventually exceed 10% as a result of equity appreciation or reduction of other positions. A significant percentage of the portfolio consists of common stock in Comstock that was obtained through dividend payments by Comstock on its 7.5% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock. Marketable securities are stated at fair value as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date.

 

The Company also holds a $4,410,000 investment in Comstock Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock which is carried at cost and included in Other investments, net.

 

18
 

 

LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL

 

The Company’s cash flows are primarily generated from its Hotel operations, and general partner management fees and limited partnership distributions from Justice Investors (“the Partnership”). The Company also receives cash generated from the investment of its cash and marketable securities and other investments.

 

On December 18, 2013, the Partnership completed an Offer to Redeem any and all limited partnership interests not held by Portsmouth and the Loan Agreements, as defined below. In addition, the Partnership approved amendments to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which amendments became effective upon the completion of the Offer to Redeem and the consummation of the Loan Agreements. Such amendments are described below. As a result, Portsmouth, which prior to the Offer to Redeem owned 50% of the then outstanding limited partnership interests now controls approximately 93% of the voting interest in Justice and is now its sole General Partner.

 

Pursuant to the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership has accepted tenders, for cash, from Evon, a general partner and seventy-three of the limited partners representing approximately 29.173% of partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem for $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. On December 19, 2013, Justice distributed the amounts due each of these former partners pursuant to the terms of the tender offer.

 

In addition, the Partnership has accepted the election of holders of approximately 17.146% of the limited partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem to participate in an alternate redemption structure. Under that alternative redemption structure, the Partnership paid to Holdings $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. Those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure may within 12 months of December 18, 2013, designate property for Holdings to purchase and then require Holdings to transfer that property to the partner in redemption of that partner’s interest in the Partnership. The governing agreement also provides for other possible methods of redeeming the interests of the partners who elected the alternate redemption structure. As of June 30, 2014, the current and deferred payments related to the alternative redemption structure, which are held by Justice’s wholly owned subsidiary, Holdings, are classified as restricted cash and, together with the expenses discussed below, total $16,163,000 and are classified on the balance sheet as redemption payable.

 

The Partnership incurred approximately $6,681,000 in restructuring costs relating to the Offer to Redeem and related financing transactions, including a one-time management fee of $1,550,000, approximately $431,000 in legal, accounting and other professional expenses, and payment of a Documentary Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Documentary Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel to Operating and other documents related to the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership believes the amount of Documentary Transfer tax that was assessed by CCSF was incorrect, the tax was paid, under protest, to allow for the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of all related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund claim with the CCSF. No prediction can be made as to whether CCSF’s calculation of the tax will be upheld, or whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

In connection with the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership retired existing debt and replaced it with lower-yielding loans, the proceeds of which were used to fund the Offer to Redeem and to provide for additional working capital for the Hotel. The Partnership incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $3,910,000 which included a yield maintenance (prepayment penalty) expense of $3,808,000 and a write-off of capitalized loan costs on the refinanced debt of approximately $102,000.

 

To fund redemption of limited partnership interests and to repay the prior mortgage, Justice obtained a $97,000,000 mortgage loan and a $20,000,000 mezzanine loan.

 

The mortgage loan are secured by the Partnership’s principal asset, the Hilton San Francisco-Financial District. The mortgage loan initially bears an interest rate of 5.28% per annum and matures in January 2024. As additional security for the mortgage loan, there is a limited guaranty executed by the Company in favor of mortgage lender.

 

19
 

 

The mezzanine loan is a secured by the Operating membership interest held by Mezzanine and is subordinated to the Mortgage Loan. The mezzanine loan initially bears interest at 9.75% per annum and matures in January 2024. As additional security for the mezzanine loan, there is a limited guaranty executed by the Company in favor of mezzanine lender.

 

The new Justice Compensation Agreement that became effective on December 1, 2008, when Portsmouth assumed the role of managing general partner of Justice, has provided additional cash flows to the Company. Under the new Compensation Agreement, Portsmouth is now entitled to 80% of the minimum base fee to be paid to the general partners of $285,000, while under the prior agreement, Portsmouth was entitled to receive only 20% of the minimum base fee. The general partner fees paid to Portsmouth for the year ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $475,000 and $401,000, respectively.

 

Despite an uncertain economy, the Hotel has continued to generate positive cash flows. While the debt service requirements related the new loans, may create some additional risk for the Company and its ability to generate cash flows in the future, management believes that cash flows from the operations of the Hotel and the garage will continue to be sufficient to meet all of the Partnership’s current and future obligations and financial requirements. Management also believes that there is sufficient equity in the Hotel assets to support future borrowings, if necessary, to fund any new capital improvements and other requirements.

 

On July 2, 2014, the Partnership obtained from the Intergroup Corporation (parent company of Portsmouth) an unsecured loan in the principal amount of $4,250,000 at 12% per year fixed interest, with a term of 2 years, payable interest only each month. Intergroup received a 3% loan fee. The loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The proceeds of the loan were applied to the July 2014 payments to Holdings described in Note 19 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company has invested in short-term, income-producing instruments and in equity and debt securities when deemed appropriate. The Company's marketable securities are classified as trading with unrealized gains and losses recorded through the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Management believes that its cash, marketable securities, and the cash flows generated from those assets and from partnership distributions and management fees, will be adequate to meet the Company’s current and future obligations. Additionally, management believes there is significant appreciated value in the Hotel property to support additional borrowings if necessary.

 

MATERIAL CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s material financial obligations which also includes interest.

 

   Total   Year 1   Year 2   Year 3   Year 4   Year 5   Thereafter 
Mortgage notes payable  $117,000,000   $-   $-   $672,000   $1,398,000   $1,473,000   $113,457,000 
Other notes payable   282,000    166,000    66,000    50,000    -    -    - 
Interest   55,908,000    7,093,000    7,081,000    7,022,000    6,560,000    5,979,000    22,173,000 
Total  $173,190,000   $7,259,000   $7,147,000   $7,744,000   $7,958,000   $7,452,000   $135,630,000 

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Company has no material off balance sheet arrangements.

 

IMPACT OF INFLATION

 

Hotel room rates are typically impacted by supply and demand factors, not inflation, since rental of a hotel room is usually for a limited number of nights. Room rates can be, and usually are, adjusted to account for inflationary cost increases. Since Prism has the power and ability under the terms of its management agreement to adjust hotel room rates on an ongoing basis, there should be minimal impact on partnership revenues due to inflation. Partnership revenues are also subject to interest rate risks, which may be influenced by inflation. For the two most recent fiscal years, the impact of inflation on the Company's income is not viewed by management as material.

 

20
 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Critical accounting policies are those that are most significant to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations and require judgments by management in order to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to the consolidation of our subsidiaries, to our revenues, allowances for bad debts, accruals, asset impairments, other investments, income taxes and commitments and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. The actual results may differ from these estimates or our estimates may be affected by different assumptions or conditions.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 22
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2014 and 2013 23
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations - For years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 24
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit – For years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 25
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 26
   
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 27 - 44

 

21
 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Portsmouth Square, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Portsmouth Square, Inc. and its subsidiary (the Company) as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Portsmouth Square, Inc. and its subsidiary as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc.  
   
San Francisco, California  
September  26, 2014  

 

22
 

 

PORTSMOUTH SQUARE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

As of June 30,  2014   2013 
         
ASSETS          
Investment in hotel, net  $34,416,000   $34,048,000 
Investment in real estate   973,000    973,000 
Investment in marketable securities   3,280,000    3,324,000 
Other investments, net   5,297,000    5,160,000 
Cash and cash equivalents   1,058,000    668,000 
Restricted cash - redemption   16,163,000    - 
Restricted cash - mortgage impounds   945,000    - 
Accounts receivable - hotel, net   1,964,000    1,957,000 
Other assets, net   3,810,000    2,004,000 
Deferred tax asset   7,246,000    3,193,000 
           
Total assets  $75,152,000   $51,327,000 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT          
Liabilities:          
Accounts payable and other liabilities  $15,863,000   $9,176,000 
Redemption payable   16,163,000    - 
Due to securities broker   629,000    579,000 
Obligations for securities sold   61,000    531,000 
Other notes payable   282,000    1,595,000 
Mortgage notes payable - hotel   117,000,000    43,413,000 
           
Total liabilities   149,998,000    55,294,000 
           
Commitments and contingencies          
Shareholders' deficit:          
Common stock, no par value:   Authorized shares - 750,000; 734,183 shares issued and outstanding shares   2,092,000    2,092,000 
Additional paid-in-capital   -    916,000 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)   (70,732,000)   574,000 
Total Portsmouth shareholders' (deficit) equity   (68,640,000)   3,582,000 
Noncontrolling interest   (6,206,000)   (7,549,000)
Total shareholders' deficit   (74,846,000)   (3,967,000)
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit  $75,152,000   $51,327,000 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

23
 

 

PORTSMOUTH SQUARE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

For the years ended June 30,  2014   2013 
         
Revenue - Hotel  $50,963,000   $46,565,000 
           
Costs and operating expenses          
Hotel operating expenses   (40,805,000)   (38,635,000)
Hotel restructuring costs   (6,681,000)   - 
Hotel occupancy tax - penalty fees   (1,278,000)   - 
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,375,000)   (2,257,000)
General and administrative expense   (651,000)   (642,000)
           
Total costs and operating expenses   (51,790,000)   (41,534,000)
           
Income (loss) from operations   (827,000)   5,031,000 
           
Other income (expense)          
Interest expense - mortgage   (4,960,000)   (2,612,000)
Interest expense - occupancy tax   (328,000)   - 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   (3,910,000)   - 
Loss on disposal of assets   (1,092,000)   - 
Gain (loss) on marketable securities   237,000    (507,000)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on other investments   58,000    (116,000)
Impairment loss on other investments   (37,000)   (35,000)
Dividend and interest income   348,000    349,000 
Trading and margin interest expense   (269,000)   (231,000)
           
Net other  expense   (9,953,000)   (3,152,000)
           
Income (loss) before income taxes   (10,780,000)   1,879,000 
Income tax benefit (expense)   4,053,000    (59,000)
           
Net (loss) income   (6,727,000)   1,820,000 
Less:  Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest   (197,000)   (1,325,000)
           
Net (loss) income attributable to Portsmouth  $(6,924,000)  $495,000 
           
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share attributable to Portsmouth  $(9.43)  $0.67 
           
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding   734,183    734,183 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

24
 

 

PORTSMOUTH SQUARE, INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT

 

               Retained   Total         
       Additional   Earnings   Portsmouth       Total 
   Common Stock   Paid-in   (Accumulated   Shareholders'   Noncontrolling   Shareholders' 
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit)   Equity   Interest   Deficit 
                             
Balance at                                   
June 30, 2012   734,183   $2,092,000   $916,000   $263,000   $3,271,000   $(8,274,000)  $(5,003,000)
                                    
Net income                  495,000    495,000    1,325,000    1,820,000 
                                    
Distributions to noncontrolling interest                       (600,000)   (600,000)     
                                    
Dividends paid                  (184,000)   (184,000)        (184,000)
                                    
                                    
Balance at                                   
June 30, 2013   734,183    2,092,000    916,000    574,000    3,582,000    (7,549,000)   (3,967,000)
                                    
Net loss                  (6,924,000)   (6,924,000)   197,000    (6,727,000)
                                    
Redemption of limited partnership interests             (916,000)   (64,382,000)   (65,298,000)   1,146,000    (64,152,000)
                                    
                                    
                                    
Balance at                                   
June 30, 2014   734,183   $2,092,000   $-   $(70,732,000)  $(68,640,000)  $(6,206,000)  $(74,846,000)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

25
 

 

PORTSMOUTH SQUARE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

For the years ended June 30,  2014   2013 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net (loss) income  $(6,727,000)  $1,820,000 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash          
provided by operating activities:          
Net unrealized (income) loss on marketable securities   (34,000)   456,000 
Unrealized (income) loss on other investments   (58,000)   116,000 
Impairment loss on other investments   37,000    35,000 
Hotel loss on extinguishment of debt   3,910,000    - 
Loss on disposal of assets   1,092,000    - 
Depreciation and amortization   2,375,000    2,257,000 
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Investment in marketable securities   78,000    (1,097,000)
Accounts receivable - hotel, net   (7,000)   (316,000)
Other assets, net   (1,939,000)   243,000 
Accounts payable and other liabilities   6,687,000    738,000 
Due to securities broker   50,000    526,000 
Obligations for securities sold   (470,000)   343,000 
Deferred income taxes   (4,053,000)   43,000 
Net cash provided by operating activities   941,000    5,164,000 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Payments for hotel furniture, equipment and building improvements   (3,701,000)   (3,359,000)
Payments for other investments   (116,000)   - 
Net cash used in investing activities   (3,817,000)   (3,359,000)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable   117,000,000    - 
Payments of mortgage and other notes payable   (48,637,000)   - 
Restricted cash for redemption and mortgage impounds   (17,108,000)   (908,000)
Redemption payments and dividends to noncontrolling interest   (2,928,000)   (784,000)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest   (45,061,000)   (477,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   3,266,000    (2,169,000)
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   390,000    (364,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   668,000    1,032,000 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $1,058,000   $668,000 
           
Supplemental information:          
Income tax paid  $3,000   $119,000 
Interest paid  $5,010,000   $2,659,000 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

26
 

 

PORTSMOUTH SQUARE, INC.

Notes to the CONSOLIDATED Financial Statements

 

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Description of Business

 

Portsmouth’s primary business is conducted through its general and limited partnership interest in Justice Investors, a California limited partnership (“Justice” or the “Partnership”). Portsmouth has a 93% limited partnership interest in Justice and is the sole general partner. The financial statements of Justice are consolidated with those of the Company.

 

As of June 30, 2014, Santa Fe Financial Corporation (“Santa Fe”), a public company, owns approximately 68.8% of the outstanding common shares of Portsmouth Square, Inc. (“Portsmouth” or the “Company”). Santa Fe is an 80.9%-owned subsidiary of The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”), a public company. InterGroup also directly owns approximately 12.9% of the common stock of Portsmouth.

 

Justice owns a 543-room hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco California, known as the Hilton San Francisco Financial District (the Hotel) and related facilities including a five level underground parking garage. The Hotel is operated by the partnership as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. Justice also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (Prism) to perform the day-to-day management functions of the Hotel. The parking garage that is part of the Hotel property is managed by Ace Parking pursuant to a contract with the Partnership.

 

Portsmouth also receives management fees as a general partner of Justice for its services in overseeing and managing the Partnership’s assets. Those fees are eliminated in consolidation.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and Justice Investors. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

Investment in Hotel, Net

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Building improvements are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives ranging from 3 to 39 years. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives ranging from 3 to 7 years.

 

Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Costs of significant renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of its remaining estimated useful life or life of the asset. The cost of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts; any resulting gain or loss is included in other income (expenses).

 

The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset, including any intangible assets associated with that asset, exceeds its estimated undiscounted net cash flow, before interest, the Partnership will recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between its carrying amount and its estimated fair value. If impairment is recognized, the reduced carrying amount of the asset will be accounted for as its new cost. For a depreciable asset, the new cost will be depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life. Generally, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow, replacement cost or market comparison analyses. The process of evaluating for impairment requires estimates as to future events and conditions, which are subject to varying market and economic factors. Therefore, it is reasonably possible that a change in estimate resulting from judgments as to future events could occur which would affect the recorded amounts of the property. No impairment losses were recorded for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

27
 

 

Investment in Marketable Securities

 

Marketable securities are stated at fair value as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date. Marketable securities are classified as trading securities with all unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investment portfolio recorded through the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Other Investments, Net

 

Other investments include non-marketable securities (carried at cost, net of any impairments loss), non –marketable warrants (carried at fair value) and certain convertible preferred securities, received in exchange for debt instruments, carried at a book basis, initially determined using the estimated fair value on the exchange date. The Company has no significant influence or control over the entities that issue these investments. These investments are reviewed on a periodic basis for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary. These factors include but are not limited to: (i) the length of time an investment is in an unrealized loss position, (ii) the extent to which fair value is less than cost, (iii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer and (iv) our ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. For the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded impairment losses related to other investments of $37,000 and $35,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the allowance for impairment losses was $1,716,000 and $1,679,000, respectively.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company has investments in stock warrants that are considered derivative instruments.

 

Derivative financial instruments consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying (e.g. interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the related unrealized gain or loss recorded in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Company used the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value these instruments which requires management to make significant assumptions including trading volatility, estimated terms, and risk free rates. Estimating fair values of derivative financial instruments requires the development of significant and subjective estimates that may, and are likely to, change over the duration of the instrument with related changes in internal and external market factors. In addition, option-based models are highly volatile and sensitive to changes in the trading market price of the underlying common stock, which has a high-historical volatility. Since derivative financial instruments are initially and subsequently carried at fair values, the Company’s consolidated statement of operations will reflect the volatility in these estimate and assumption changes.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash is comprised of amounts held by lenders for payment of real estate taxes, insurance, replacement, capital addition reserves for the Hotel and the funds held by Justice to implement the alternate redemption structure for those partners who elected that structure.

 

Accounts Receivable - Hotel, Net

 

Accounts receivable from Hotel customers are carried at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts that is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of accounts receivable. The Company extends unsecured credit to its customers but mitigates the associated credit risk by performing ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the balance of allowance for doubtful accounts was $25,000 and $3,000, respectively.

 

28
 

 

Other Assets, Net

 

Other assets include prepaid insurance, loan fees, franchise fees, license fees, occupancy tax deposits and other miscellaneous assets. Loan fees are stated at cost and amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. Franchise fees are stated at cost and amortized over the life of the agreement (15 years). License fees are stated at cost and amortized over 10 years.

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are calculated under the liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the current enacted tax rates. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established for certain deferred tax assets where realization is not likely.

 

Assets and liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold based on the technical merits of the positions.

 

Due to Securities Broker

 

Various securities brokers have advanced funds to the Company for the purchase of marketable securities under standard margin agreements. These advanced funds are recorded as a liability.

 

Obligations for Securities Sold

 

Obligation for securities sold represents the fair market value of shares sold with the promise to deliver that security at some future date and the fair market value of shares underlying the written call options with the obligation to deliver that security when and if the option is exercised. The obligation may be satisfied with current holdings of the same security or by subsequent purchases of that security. Unrealized gains and losses from changes in the obligation are included in the statement of operations.

 

Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities include trade payables, advance deposits and other liabilities.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards for fair value measurement establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:

 

Level 1–inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2–inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.

 

Level 3–inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value.

 

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Revenue Recognition

 

Room revenue is recognized on the date upon which a guest occupies a room and/or utilizes the Hotel’s services. Food and beverage revenues are recognized upon delivery. Garage revenue is recognized when a guest uses the garage space. The Company records a liability for payments collected in advance of revenue recognition. This liability is included in Accounts payable and other liabilities. Rental revenue is recognized on the straight-line method of accounting whereby contractual rent payment increases are recognized evenly over the lease term, regardless of when the rent payments are received by Justice. The leases contain provisions for base rent plus a percentage of the lessees’ revenues, which are recognized when earned.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $434,000 and $419,000 for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Basic and Diluted Income per Share

 

Basic income per share is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each fiscal year. As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any potentially dilutive securities outstanding.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements. Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may differ from estimated amounts.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 will become effective for the Company on July 1, 2014. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2013-11 but believes that this ASU will not have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements as it relates primarily as to how items are presented in the financial statements.

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360)”(“ASU 2014-08”). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 provide guidance for the recognition of discontinued operations, change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in ASC 205-20, “Discontinued Operations” (“ASC 205-20”) and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for the Company for periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early application is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-08 but believes that this ASU will not have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements as it relates primarily as to how items are presented in the financial statements.

  

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts from Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company for periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted for the annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NOTE 2 - JUSTICE INVESTORS

 

On July 14, 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) SOP 78-9-1, “Interaction of AICPA Statement of Position 78-9 and EITF Issue No. 04-5” which was codified into ASC Topic 910-810, “Real Estate – General – Consolidation”, to amend the guidance in AICPA Statement of Position 78-9, “Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures” (SOP 78-9) to be consistent with the consensus in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-5 “Determining Whether a General Partner, or General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights” which was codified into ASC 810-20, “Consolidation”, eliminated the concept of “important rights”(ASC Topic 970-810) and replaces it with the concepts of “kick out rights” and “substantive participating rights”. In accordance with guidance set forth in ASC Topic 970-20, Portsmouth has applied the principles of accounting applicable for investments in subsidiaries due to its substantial limited partnership interest and general partnership rights and has consolidated the financial statements of Justice with those of the Company effective as of July 1, 2006. For the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the results of operations for Justice were consolidated with those of the Company.

 

Effective December 1, 2008, Portsmouth and Evon, as the two general partners of Justice, entered into a 2008 Amendment to the Limited Partnership agreement (the Amendment) that provided for a change in the respective roles of the general partners. Pursuant to the Amendment, Portsmouth assumed the role of managing general partner and Evon continued on as the co-general partner of Justice. The Amendment was ratified by approximately 98% of the limited partnership interests. The Partnership Agreement was amended and restated in its entirety to comply with the new provisions of the California Corporations Code known as the “Uniform Limited Partnership Act of 2008.” The Amendment did not result in any material modifications of the rights or obligations of the general and limited partners. The Amendment also provides that future amendments to the limited partnership agreement may be made only upon the consent of the general partners and at least seventy five percent (75%) of the interests of the limited partners. Consent of at least 75% of the interests of the limited partners is required to remove a general partner pursuant to the Amendment.

 

Concurrent with the Amendment, a new General Partner Compensation Agreement (the Compensation Agreement) was entered into on December 1, 2008, among Justice, Portsmouth and Evon to terminate and supersede all prior compensation agreements for the general partners. Pursuant to the Compensation Agreement, the general partners of Justice will be entitled to receive an amount equal to 1.5% of the gross annual revenues of the partnership (as defined), less $75,000 to be used as a contribution toward the cost of Justice engaging an asset manager. In no event shall the annual compensation be less than a minimum base of approximately $285,000, with eighty percent (80%) of that amount being allocated to Portsmouth for its services as managing general partner and twenty percent (20%) allocated to Evon as the co-general partner. Compensation earned by the general partners in each calendar year in excess of the minimum base will be payable in equal fifty percent (50%) shares to Portsmouth and Evon. As described below, the Compensation Agreement was amended upon the completion of the Offer to Redeem on December 18, 2013.

 

In December 2013, the Partnership determined to restructure its ownership to facilitate a refinancing of the Hotel and redeem the interests of certain Partners, including Evon. In the course of this refinancing, restructuring and redemption, the Partnership created Justice Holdings Company, LLC (“Holdings”), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Justice Operating Company, LLC (“Operating”) and Justice Mezzanine Company, LLC (“Mezzanine”). Holdings and Mezzanine are both a wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership; Operating is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mezzanine. Mezzanine is the Mezzanine borrower and in December 2013, the Partnership conveyed ownership of the Hotel to Operating.

 

On December 18, 2013, the Partnership completed an Offer to Redeem any and all limited partnership interests not held by Portsmouth and the Loan Agreements, as defined below. In addition, the Partnership approved amendments to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which amendments became effective upon the completion of the Offer to Redeem and the consummation of the Loan Agreements. Such amendments are described below. As a result, Portsmouth, which prior to the Offer to Redeem owned 50% of the then outstanding limited partnership interests now controls approximately 93% of the voting interest in Justice and is now its sole General Partner.

 

Pursuant to the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership has accepted tenders, for cash, from Evon, a general partner and seventy-three of the limited partners representing approximately 29.173% of partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem for $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. On December 19, 2013, Justice distributed the amounts due each of these former partners pursuant to the terms of the tender offer.

 

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In addition, the Partnership has accepted the election of holders of approximately 17.146% of the limited partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem to participate in an alternate redemption structure. Under that alternative redemption structure, the Partnership paid to Holdings $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. Those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure may within 12 months of December 18, 2013, designate property for Holdings to purchase and then require Holdings to transfer that property to the partner in redemption of that partner’s interest in the Partnership. The governing agreement also provides for other possible methods of redeeming the interests of the partners who elected the alternate redemption structure. During the year ended June 30, 2014, a total of $2,928,000 was redeemed under the alternative redemption structure. As of June 30, 2014, the current and deferred payments related to the alternative redemption structure, which are held by Justice’s wholly owned subsidiary, Holdings, are classified as restricted cash and, together with the expenses discussed below, total $16,163,000and are classified on the balance sheet as redemption payable.

 

The Partnership incurred approximately $6,681,000 in restructuring costs relating to the Offer to Redeem and related financing transactions, including a one-time management fee of $1,550,000, approximately $431,000 in legal, accounting and other professional expenses, and payment of a Documentary Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Documentary Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel to Operating and other documents related to the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership believes the amount of Documentary Transfer tax that was assessed by CCSF was incorrect, the tax was paid, under protest, to allow for the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of all related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund claim with the CCSF. No prediction can be made as to whether CCSF’s calculation of the tax will be upheld, or whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

In connection with the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership retired existing debt and replaced it with lower-yielding loans, the proceeds of which were used to fund the Offer to Redeem and to provide for additional working capital for the Hotel. The Partnership incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $3,910,000 which included a yield maintenance (prepayment penalty) expense of $3,808,000 and a write-off of capitalized loan costs on the refinanced debt of approximately $102,000.

 

As a result of the ownership structure implemented in December 2013, the Partnership is the indirect sole owner of a 543-room hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco, California, now known as the Hilton San Francisco Financial District (the Hotel) and related facilities including a five level underground parking garage. The Hotel is operated by Operating as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. Operating also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (Prism) to perform management functions for the Hotel. The management agreement with Prism had an original term of ten years and can be terminated at any time with or without cause by the Partnership owner. Effective January 2014, the management agreement with Prism was amended by the Partnership. Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement, which is for a term of 3 years, but which can be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause.

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Partnership had an accumulated deficit. That accumulated deficit is primarily attributable to the redemption of certain limited partners, effective December 18, 2013. The Partnership utilized the book value method to record the redemption of the limited partners. Under book value (bonus) method the remaining partners continue the existing partnership, recording no changes to the book values of the partnership's assets and liabilities. As a result, any revaluation of the existing partnership's assets or liabilities that might be undertaken is solely to determine the settlement price to the outgoing partner. The partner's withdrawal from the partnership is recorded by adjusting the remaining partners' capital accounts with the amount of the bonus, which is allocated according to their income sharing ratio. The amount of adjustment is equal to the difference between the settlement price paid to the withdrawing partner and the book value of his share of total partnership capital at the time he withdraws. Justice Partner’s capital was reduced by approximately $64.1 million for the redemption.

 

Management believes that the revenues and cash flows expected to be generated from the operations of the Hotel, garage and leases will be sufficient to meet all of the Partnership’s current and future obligations and financial requirements. Management also believes that there is significant appreciated value in the Hotel property in excess of the net book value to support additional borrowings, if necessary.

 

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NOTE 3 – INVESTMENT IN HOTEL, NET

 

Investment in hotel consisted of the following as of:

       Accumulated   Net Book 
June 30, 2014  Cost   Depreciation   Value 
             
Land  $1,124,000   $-   $1,124,000 
Furniture and equipment   23,306,000    (20,074,000)   3,232,000 
Building and improvements   51,428,000    (21,368,000)   30,060,000 
   $75,858,000   $(41,442,000)  $34,416,000 

 

       Accumulated   Net Book 
June 30, 2013  Cost   Depreciation   Value 
             
Land  $1,124,000   $-   $1,124,000 
Furniture and equipment   22,270,000    (19,312,000)   2,958,000 
Building and improvements   50,473,000    (20,507,000)   29,966,000 
   $73,867,000   $(39,819,000)  $34,048,000 

 

The Partnership leases certain equipment under agreements that are classified as capital leases. The cost of equipment under capital leases was $2,131,000 at June 30, 2014 and 2013. The accumulated depreciation on capital leases was $2,098,000 and $1,930,000 as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

In December 2013, Justice determined to substantially demolish the Hotel’s ground-level Spa (with the exception of the ceilings and certain mechanical systems) to build out additional meeting rooms, a technology lounge and re-locate Hotel offices. Justice believes this will result in a greater guest experience and increases in operating revenues. Justice recorded a loss of approximately $738,000 as a disposal of assets on the closure of the Hotel’s Spa on the lobby level.

 

NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE

 

In August 2007, the Company agreed to acquire 50% interest in Intergroup Uluniu, Inc., a Hawaiian corporation and a 100% owned subsidiary of InterGroup, for $973,000, which represents an amount equal to the costs paid by InterGroup for the acquisition and carrying costs of approximately two acres of unimproved land held for development located in Maui, Hawaii. As a related party transaction, the fairness of the financial terms of the transaction were reviewed and approved by the independent director of the Company.

 

NOTE 5 - INVESTMENT IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES

 

The Company’s investment in marketable securities consists primarily of corporate equities. The Company has also invested in corporate bonds and income producing securities, which may include interests in real estate based companies and REITs, where financial benefit could insure to its shareholders through income and/or capital gain.

 

At June 30, 2014 and 2013, all of the Company’s marketable securities are classified as trading securities. The change in the unrealized gains and losses on these investments are included in earnings. Trading securities are summarized as follows:

 

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Investment   Cost   Gross
Unrealized Gain
   Gross
Unrealized Loss
   Net
Unrealized Gain
   Fair
Value
 
                            
As of June 30, 2014                              
Corporate                              
 Equities       $3,105,000   $818,000   $(643,000)  $175,000   $3,280,000 
                           
As of June 30, 2013                              
Corporate                              
Equities       $3,104,000   $992,000   $(772,000)  $220,000   $3,324,000 

 

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $634,000 and $637,000, respectively, of unrealized losses related to securities held for over one year.

 

Net loss on marketable securities on the statement of operations is comprised of realized and unrealized losses. Below is the composition of the two components for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

For the year ended June 30,  2014   2013 
Realized gain (loss) on marketable securities  $203,000   $(51,000)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities   34,000    (456,000)
           
Net gain (loss) on marketable securities  $237,000   $(507,000)

 

NOTE 6 – OTHER INVESTMENTS, NET

 

The Company may also invest, with the approval of the Securities Investment Committee and other Company guidelines, in private investment equity funds and other unlisted securities, such as convertible notes through private placements. Those investments in non-marketable securities are carried at cost on the Company’s balance sheet as part of other investments, net of other than temporary impairment losses.

 

Other investments, net consist of the following:

 

Type  June 30, 2014   June 30, 2013 
Preferred stock - Comstock, at cost  $4,410,000   $4,410,000 
Private equity hedge fund, at cost   601,000    646,000 
Corporate debt and equity instruments, at cost   101,000    101,000 
Other preferred stock   120,000    - 
Warrants - at fair value   65,000    3,000 
   $5,297,000   $5,160,000 

 

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had investments in corporate debt and equity instruments which had attached warrants that were considered derivative instruments. These warrants have an allocated cost basis of $170,000 and $165,000 as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair market value of these warrants were $65,000 and $3,000 as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had an unrealized gain (loss) of $58,000 and ($116,000), respectively, related to these warrants.

 

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NOTE 7 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis approximate fair value due to their short maturities (i.e., accounts receivable, other assets, accounts payable and other liabilities, due to securities broker and obligations for securities sold) or the nature and terms of the obligation (i.e., other notes payable and mortgage notes payable).

 

The assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

 

As of June 30, 2014                
Assets:  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Other investments - warrants  $-   $-   $65,000   $65,000 
Investment in marketable securities:                    
Basic materials   1,772,000    -    -    1,772,000 
Technology   389,000    -    -    389,000 
Financial services   175,000    -    -    175,000 
REITs and real estate companies   167,000    -    -    167,000 
Other   777,000    -    -    777,000 
    3,280,000    -    -    3,280,000 
   $3,280,000   $-   $65,000   $3,345,000 

 

As of June 30, 2013                
Assets:  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Cash equivalents - money market  $3,000   $-   $-   $3,000 
Other investments - warrants   -    -    3,000    3,000 
Investment in marketable securities:                    
Basic materials   1,513,000    -    -    1,513,000 
Technology   622,000    -    -    622,000 
Financial services   526,000    -    -    526,000 
REITs and real estate companies   255,000    -    -    255,000 
Other   408,000    -    -    408,000 
    3,324,000    -    -    3,324,000 
   $3,327,000   $-   $3,000   $3,330,000 

 

The fair values of investments in marketable securities are determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date. The fair value of the warrants was determined based upon a Black-Scholes option valuation model.

 

Financial assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables above include “Other investments in non-marketable securities,” that were initially measured at cost and have been written down to fair value as a result of impairment or adjusted to record the fair value of new instruments received (i.e., preferred shares) in exchange for old instruments (i.e., debt instruments). The following table shows the fair value hierarchy for these assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as follows:

 

                   Net loss for the year 
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   June 30, 2014   ended June 30, 2014 
                     
Other non-marketable investments  $-   $-   $5,232,000   $5,232,000   $(37,000)
                          

 

                   Net loss for the year 
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   June 30, 2013   ended June 30, 2013 
                          
Other non-marketable investments  $-   $-   $5,157,000   $5,157,000   $(35,000)

 

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Other investments in non-marketable securities are carried at cost net of any impairment loss. The Company has no significant influence or control over the entities that issue these investments. These investments are reviewed on a periodic basis for other-than-temporary impairment. When determining the fair value of these investments on a non-recurring basis, the Company uses valuation techniques such as the market approach and the unobservable inputs include factors such as conversion ratios and the stock price of the underlying convertible instruments. The Company reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary. These factors include but are not limited to: (i) the length of time an investment is in an unrealized loss position, (ii) the extent to which fair value is less than cost, (iii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer and (iv) our ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

 

NOTE 8 – OTHER ASSETS, NET

 

Other assets consist of the following as of June 30:

 

   2014   2013 
Inventory - hotel  $653,000   $918,000 
Prepaid expenses   1,220,000    581,000 
Occupancy tax deposit   1,061,000    - 
Miscellaneous assets, net   876,000    505,000 
           
Total other assets  $3,810,000   $2,004,000 

 

The City of San Francisco’s Tax Collector’s office has claimed that Justice owes the City of San Francisco $2.1 million based on the Tax Collector’s interpretation of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code relating to Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourist Improvement District Assessment. This amount exceeds Justice’s estimate of the taxes owed, and Justice has disputed the claim and is seeking to discharge all penalties and interest charges imposed by the Tax Collector. The Company paid the full amount in March 2014 as part of the appeals process but is reflecting the amount on the balance sheet in “Other Assets, Net” as it is currently under protest.

 

Amortization expense of loan fees and franchise costs for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $88,000 and $72,000, respectively.

 

NOTE 9 – OTHER NOTES PAYABLE

 

The Partnership had a $2,500,000 unsecured revolving line of credit facility with East West Bank that was to mature on April 30, 2010. Effective April 29, 2010, the Partnership obtained a modification from the bank which converted its revolving line of credit facility to a term loan.

 

The modification provided that the Partnership will pay the balance on its line of credit facility over a period of four years, to mature on April 30, 2014. This term loan called for monthly principal and interest payments, calculated on a six-year amortization schedule. Pursuant to the modification, the annual floating interest rate was reduced by 0.5% to the WSJ Prime Rate plus 2.5% (with a minimum floor rate of 5.0% per annum). The term note was paid off in full in December 2013 in connection to the partnership redemption.

 

During fiscal 2013, Justice entered into a financing agreement with Ace Parking Management, Inc. to purchase equipment. The note bears 11.5% interest and is payable in equal monthly installments (principal and interest) through April 2018. As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the note payable balance was $182,000 and $219,000, respectively.

 

The Partnership had short-term financing agreements with a financial institution for the payment of its general, property, and workers’ compensation insurance. The notes payable under these financing agreements bore interest at 4% per annum and was payable in equal monthly installments (principal and interest) through July 2013. This note payable was paid in full during the year ended June 30, 2014. The Partnership obtained a new short term financing agreement with a financial institution for such insurance during the year ended June 30, 2014. The notes payable under these financing agreements bear interest at 5.0% per annum and was payable in equal monthly installments (principal and interest) through July 2014. The outstanding balance was $91,000 and $71,000 as of June 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

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NOTE 10 – MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE

 

On December 18, 2013: (i) Justice Operating Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Operating”), entered into a loan agreement (“Mortgage Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America (“Mortgage Lender”); and (ii) Justice Mezzanine Company, a Delaware limited liability company (“Mezzanine”), entered into a mezzanine loan agreement (“Mezzanine Loan Agreement” and, together with the Mortgage Loan Agreement, the “Loan Agreements”) with ISBI San Francisco Mezz Lender LLC (“Mezzanine Lender” and, together with Mortgage Lender, the “Lenders”). The Partnership is the sole member of Mezzanine, and Mezzanine is the sole member of Operating.

 

The Loan Agreements provide for a $97,000,000 Mortgage Loan and a $20,000,000 Mezzanine Loan. The proceeds of the Loan Agreements were used to fund the redemption of limited partnership interests described above and the pay-off of the prior mortgage.

 

The Mortgage Loan is secured by the Partnership’s principal asset, the Hilton San Francisco-Financial District (the “Property”). The Mortgage Loan bears an interest rate of 5.28% per annum and matures on January 1, 2024. The term of the Mortgage Loan is 10 years with interest only due in the first three years and equal monthly principal and interest payments based upon a 30 year amortization schedule for the remaining seven years of the Mortgage Loan term. The Mortgage Loan also requires payments for impounds related to property tax, insurance and capital improvement reserves. As additional security for the Mortgage Loan, there is a limited guaranty (“Mortgage Guaranty”) executed by the Company in favor of Mortgage Lender.

 

The Mezzanine Loan is secured by the Operating membership interest held by Mezzanine and is subordinated to the Mortgage Loan. The Mezzanine Loan bears interest at 9.75% per annum and matures on January 1, 2024. Interest only payments are due monthly. As additional security for the Mezzanine Loan, there is a limited guaranty executed by the Company in favor of Mezzanine Lender (the “Mezzanine Guaranty” and, together with the Mortgage Guaranty, the “Guaranties”).

 

The Guaranties are limited to what are commonly referred to as “bad boy” acts, including: (i) fraud or intentional misrepresentations; (ii) gross negligence or willful misconduct; (iii) misapplication or misappropriation of rents, security deposits, insurance or condemnation proceeds; and (iv) failure to pay taxes or insurance. The Guaranties will be full recourse guaranties under identified circumstances, including failure to maintain “single purpose” status which is a factor in a consolidation of Operating or Mezzanine in a bankruptcy of another person, transfer or encumbrance of the Property in violation of the applicable loan documents, Operating or Mezzanine incurring debts that are not permitted, and the Property becoming subject to a bankruptcy proceeding. Pursuant to the Guaranties, the Company is required to maintain a certain minimum net worth and liquidity. As of June 30, 2014, the Company is in compliance with both requirements.

 

Each of the Loan Agreements contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, reporting requirements, affirmative covenants and negative covenants, which impose restrictions on, among other things, organizational changes of the respective borrower, operations of the Property, agreements with affiliates and third parties. Each of the Loan Agreements also provides for mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances (including casualty or condemnation events) and voluntary prepayments, subject to satisfaction of prescribed conditions set forth in the Loan Agreements.

 

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had the following mortgages:

 

June 30, 2014   June 30, 2013   Interest Rate  Origination Date  Maturity Date
$97,000,000   $-    Fixed 5.28%  December 18, 2013  January 1, 2024
 20,000,000    -    Fixed 9.75%  December 18, 2013  January 1, 2024
 -    26,043,000    Fixed 5.22%  July 27, 2005  August 5, 2015
 -    17,370,000    Fixed 6.42%  March 27, 2007  August 5, 2015
$117,000,000   $43,413,000          

 

On July 27, 2005, Justice entered into a first mortgage loan with The Prudential Insurance Company of America in a principal amount of $30,000,000 (the “Prudential Loan”). The term of the Prudential Loan is for 120 months at a fixed interest rate of 5.22% per annum. The Prudential Loan calls for monthly installments of principal and interest in the amount of approximately $165,000, calculated on a 30-year amortization schedule. The Loan is collateralized by a first deed of trust on the Partnership’s Hotel property, including all improvements and personal property thereon and an assignment of all present and future leases and rents. The Prudential Loan is without recourse to the limited and general partners of Justice. This loan was paid off in full on December 18, 2013 in connection to the refinancing of the loans and partnership redemption.

 

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In March 2007, Justice entered into a second mortgage loan with The Prudential Insurance Company of America (the “Second Prudential Loan”) in a principal amount of $19,000,000. The term of the Second Prudential Loan is for approximately 100 months and matures on August 5, 2015, the same date as the Partnership’s first mortgage loan with Prudential. The Second Prudential Loan is at a fixed interest rate of 6.42% per annum and calls for monthly installments of principal and interest in the amount of approximately $119,000, calculated on a 30-year amortization schedule. The Loan is collateralized by a second deed of trust on the Partnership’s Hotel property, including all improvements and personal property thereon and an assignment of all present and future leases and rents. The Loan is without recourse to the limited and general partners of Justice. This loan was paid off in full on December 18, 2013 in connection to the refinancing of the loans and partnership redemption.

 

Future minimum payments for all notes payable are as follows:

 

For the year ending June 30,     
2015  $166,000 
2016   66,000 
2017   722,000 
2017   1,398,000 
2018   1,473,000 
Thereafter   113,457,000 
   $117,282,000 

 

NOTE 11 – GARAGE OPERATIONS

 

The Partnership formerly leased the Hotel’s parking garage from its owner, Evon, under a lease that was to expire in November 2010. Effective October 1, 2008, Justice and Evon entered into an installment sale agreement whereby Justice purchased all of Evon’s right, title, and interest in the remaining term of the garage lease and other related assets. Justice also agreed to assume Evon’s contract with Ace Parking Management, Inc. (Ace Parking) for the management of the garage.

 

The garage is currently operated by Ace Parking for the Partnership pursuant to a Parking Facilities Management Agreement (the “Parking Agreement”). The initial term of the Parking Agreement was to expire on October 31, 2010, with an option to renew for another five-year term.

 

On October 31, 2010, the Partnership and Ace Parking entered into an amendment of the Parking Agreement to extend the term for a period of sixty two (62) months, commencing on November 1, 2010 and terminating December 31, 2015, subject to either party’s right to terminate the agreement without cause on ninety (90) days written notice. The monthly management fee of $2,000 and the accounting fee of $250 remain the same, but the amendment modified how the Excess Profit Fee to be paid to Ace Parking would be calculated.

 

The amendment provides that, if net operating income (NOI) from the garage operations exceeds $1,800,000 but is less than $2,000,000, then Ace Parking will be entitled to an Excess Profit Fee of one percent (1%) of the total annual NOI. If the annual NOI is $2,000,000 or higher, Ace Parking will be entitled to an Excess Profit Fee equal to two percent (2%) of the total annual NOI. The garage’s NOI exceeded the annual NOI of $2,000,000 for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. Base Management and incentive fees to Ace Parking amounted to $44,000 for each of the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

NOTE 12 – MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

 

On February 2, 2007, the Partnership entered into an agreement with Prism to manage and operate the Hotel as its agent. The agreement was effective for a term of ten years, unless the agreement was extended or earlier terminated as provided in the agreement. Under the management agreement, the Partnership was required to pay the base management fees of up to 2.5% of gross operating revenues of the Hotel (i.e., room, food and beverage, and other operating departments) for the fiscal year. Of that amount, 1.75% of the gross operating revenues was paid monthly. The balance or 0.75% was paid only to the extent that the partially adjusted net operating income (net operating income less capital expenditures) for the fiscal year exceeded the amount of the Hotel’s return for the fiscal year. The base management fee was limited to 1.75% for the period ended January 31, 2014 and year ended June 30, 2013, respectively. In January 2014 the Partnership amended the management agreement to a fixed rate of $20,000 per month. It can also earn an incentive fee of $10,500 for each month that the revenues per room of the Hotel exceed the average revenues per room of a defined set of competing hotels. Management fees paid to Prism during the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $579,000 and $754,000, respectively.

 

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Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc. (GMP), a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement. The management agreement with GMP has a term of 3 years, but may be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause. Under the agreement, GMP is required to advise the Partnership on the management and operation of the hotel; administer the Partnership’s contracts, leases, agreements with hotel managers and franchisors and other contracts and agreements; provide administrative and asset management services, oversee financial reporting, and maintain offices at the Hotel in order to facilitate provision of services. GMP is paid an annual base management fee of $325,000 per year, increasing by 5% per year, payable in monthly installments, and to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by GMP in performing its obligations under the agreement. During the year ended June 30, 2014, GMP was reimbursed for $235,000, for the salaries, benefits and local payroll taxes for three key employees. Management fees paid to GMP during the year ended June 30, 2014 were $424,000.

 

NOTE 13 – CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

 

Travel agents and airlines made up 50%, or $915,000, and 30%, or $595,000, of accounts receivable at June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Hotel had two customers that accounted for 65%, or $1,203,000, of accounts receivable at June 30, 2014. The Hotel had one customer who accounted for 32%, or $525,000, of accounts receivable at June 30, 2013.

 

The Partnership maintains its cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions that are monitored regularly for credit quality. At times, such cash and cash equivalents holdings may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or other federally insured limits.

 

NOTE 14 - INCOME TAXES

 

The provision for income taxes benefit (expense) consists of the following:

 

For the years ended June 30,  2014   2013 
Federal          
  Current tax expense  $-   $(10,000)
  Deferred tax benefit (expense)   3,061,000    (116,000)
    3,061,000    (126,000)
State          
  Current tax expense   -    (6,000)
  Deferred tax benefit   992,000    73,000 
    992,000    67,000 
           
Total income tax (expense) benefit  $4,053,000   $(59,000)

 

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A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:

 

For the years ended June 30,  2014   2013 
         
Statutory federal tax rate   34.0%   34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit   6.1%   -2.4%
Noncontrolling interest   -3.3%   -24.1%
Other   0.8%   -4.4%
    37.6%   3.1%

 

The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and (liabilities) as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, are as follows:

 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities)  2014   2013 
  Net operating loss carryforward  $6,058,000   $4,307,000 
  Investment reserve   968,000    955,000 
  Basis difference in Justice   1,723,000    (843,000)
  Other   691,000    592,000 
    9,440,000    5,011,000 
Deferred tax liabilities          
  Unrealized gains on marketable securities   (1,593,000)   (1,553,000)
  State taxes   (601,000)   (265,000)
    (2,194,000)   (1,818,000)
Net deferred tax assets  $7,246,000   $3,193,000 

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $14,364,000 and $13,280,000 for federal and state purposes, respectively. These carryforwards expire in varying amount through 2029.

 

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as to income tax in multiple state jurisdictions. Federal income tax returns of the Company are subject to IRS examination for the 2009 through 2013 tax years. State income tax returns are subject to examination for the 2008 through 2013 tax years.

 

Utilization of the net operating loss carryover may be subject a substantial annual limitation if it should be determined that there has been a change in the ownership of more than 50 percent of the value of the Company's stock, pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar state provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating loss carryovers before utilization.

 

As of June 30, 2014, there were no uncertain tax positions. Management does not anticipate any future adjustments in the next twelve months which would result in a material change to its tax position. For the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any interest and penalties.

 

NOTE 15 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company operates in two reportable segments, the operation of the hotel (“Hotel Operations”) and the investment of its cash in marketable securities and other investments (“Investment Transactions”). These two operating segments, as presented in the consolidated financial statements, reflect how management internally reviews each segment’s performance. Management also makes operational and strategic decisions based on this same information.

 

Information below represents reporting segments for the year ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Segment income (loss) from Hotel operations consists of the operation of the hotel and operation of the garage. Loss from investments consists of net investment gain (loss), dividend and interest income and investment related expenses.

 

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As of and for the year  Hotel   Investment         
ended June 30, 2014  Operations   Transactions   Other   Total 
Revenues  $50,963,000   $-   $-   $50,963,000 
Segment operating expenses   (48,764,000)   -    (651,000)   (49,415,000)
Segment income (loss)   2,199,000    -    (651,000)   1,548,000 
Interest expense - mortgage   (4,960,000)   -    -    (4,960,000)
Interest expense - occupancy tax   (328,000)   -    -    (328,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt   (3,910,000)   -    -    (3,910,000)
Loss on disposal of assets   (1,092,000)   -    -    (1,092,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,375,000)   -    -    (2,375,000)
Income from investments   -    337,000    -    337,000 
Income tax benefit   -    -    4,053,000    4,053,000 
Net income (loss)  $(10,466,000)  $337,000   $3,402,000   $(6,727,000)
Total assets  $34,416,000   $8,577,000   $32,159,000   $75,152,000 
                     
As of and for the year  Hotel   Investment         
ended June 30, 2013  Operations   Transactions   Other   Total 
Revenues  $46,565,000   $-   $-   $46,565,000 
Segment operating expenses   (38,635,000)   -    (642,000)   (39,277,000)
Segment income (loss)   7,930,000    -    (642,000)   7,288,000 
Interest expense   (2,612,000)   -    -    (2,612,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,257,000)   -    -    (2,257,000)
Loss from investments   -    (540,000)   -    (540,000)
Income tax expense   -    -    (59,000)   (59,000)
Net income (loss)  $3,061,000   $(540,000)  $(701,000)  $1,820,000 
Total assets  $34,048,000   $8,484,000   $8,795,000   $51,327,000 

 

NOTE 16 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In December 2012, Justice declared a limited partnership distribution in the amount of $1,200,000, of which Portsmouth received $600,000. The amount received by Portsmouth was eliminated in consolidation.

 

In connection with the redemption of limited partnership interests of Justice Investors, Limited Partnership described in Note 2 above, Justice Operating Company, LLC agreed to pay a total of $1,550,000 in fees to certain officers and directors of the Company for services rendered in connection with the redemption of partnership interests, refinancing of Justice’s properties and reorganization of Justice Investors. This agreement was superseded by a letter dated December 11, 2013 from Justice Investors, Limited Partnership, in which Justice Investors Limited Partnership assumed the payment obligations of Justice Operating Company, LLC. The first payment under this agreement was made concurrently with the closing of the loan agreements described in Note 2 above, with the remaining payments due upon Justice Investor’s having adequate available cash as described in the letter.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company received management fees from Justice Investors totaling $475,000 and $401,000, respectively. These amounts were eliminated in consolidation.

 

Two general partners provided services to the Partnership through December 17, 2013. On December 18, 2013 the Partnership redeemed Evon’s partnership interest and Portsmouth Square became the sole general partner. During each of the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the general partners were paid a total of $591,000 and $620,000, respectively, which is included in “General and administrative” expense in the statements of income and partners’ accumulated deficit. The total amounts paid represent the minimum base compensation of $285,000 each year plus $305,000 and $335,000, respectively, calculated at one and one-half percent of Hotel revenue. The Partnership’s obligation to pay Evon, Justice’s former general partner, terminated as of December 18, 2013. Under the terms of the Justice Partnership Agreement, its current general partner, Portsmouth, receives annual base compensation of $285,000, plus one percent of Hotel Revenue. Amounts paid to Portsmouth are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc. (GMP), a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement. The management agreement with GMP has a term of 3 years, but may be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause. Under the agreement, GMP is required to advise the Partnership on the management and operation of the hotel; administer the Partnership’s contracts, leases, agreements with hotel managers and franchisors and other contracts and agreements; provide administrative and asset management services, oversee financial reporting, and maintain offices at the Hotel in order to facilitate provision of services. GMP is paid an annual base management fee of $325,000 per year, increasing by 5% per year, payable in monthly installments, and to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by GMP in performing its obligations under the agreement. During the year ended June 30, 2014, GMP was reimbursed for $235,000, for the salaries, benefits and local payroll taxes for three key employees. Management fees paid to GMP during the year ended June 30, 2014 were $424,000.

 

Certain shared costs and expenses, primarily administrative expenses, rent and insurance are allocated among the Company and InterGroup based on management's estimate of the pro rata utilization of resources. For the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, these expenses were approximately $72,000 for each respective year.

 

Four of the Company’s Directors serve as directors of InterGroup and three of the Company’s Directors serve on the Board of Santa Fe.

 

As Chairman of the Securities Investment Committee, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John V. Winfield, directs the investment activity of the Company in public and private markets pursuant to authority granted by the Board of Directors. Mr. Winfield also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Santa Fe and InterGroup and oversees the investment activity of those companies. Depending on certain market conditions and various risk factors, the Chief Executive Officer, his family, Santa Fe and InterGroup may, at times, invest in the same companies in which the Company invests. The Company encourages such investments because it places personal resources of the Chief Executive Officer and his family members, and the resources of Santa Fe and InterGroup, at risk in connection with investment decisions made on behalf of the Company.

 

In fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, the disinterested members of the Board of Directors established a performance based compensation program for the Company’s CEO to keep and retain his services as a direct and active manager of the Company’s securities portfolio. Pursuant to the current criteria established by the Board, Mr. Winfield is entitled to performance based compensation for his management of the Company’s securities portfolio equal to 20% of all net investment gains generated in excess of an annual return equal to the Prime Rate of Interest (as published in the Wall Street Journal) plus 2%. Compensation amounts are calculated and paid quarterly based on the results of the Company’s investment portfolio for that quarter. Should the Company have a net investment loss during any quarter, Mr. Winfield would not be entitled to any further performance-based compensation until any such investment losses are recouped by the Company. This performance based compensation program may be further modified or terminated at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company’s CEO did not earn any performance based compensation for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

NOTE 17 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Franchise Agreements

 

The Partnership entered into a Franchise License agreement (the License agreement) with the Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton) on December 10, 2004. The term of the License agreement is for a period of 15 years commencing on the opening date, with an option to extend the license agreement for another five years, subject to certain conditions.

 

Beginning on the opening date in January 2006, the Partnership paid monthly royalty fees for the first two years of three percent (3%) of the Hotel’s gross room revenue for the preceding calendar month; the third year was at four percent (4%) of the Hotel’s gross room revenue; and the fourth year until the end of the term will be five percent (5%) of the Hotel’s gross room revenue. The Partnership also pays a monthly program fee of four percent (4%) of the Hotel’s gross revenue. The amount of the monthly program fee is subject to change; however, the increase cannot exceed one percent (1%) of the Hotel gross room revenue in any calendar year, and the cumulative increases in the monthly fees will not exceed five percent (5%) of gross room revenue. The Hotel is also subject to certain penalties if fees are not paid timely. The royalty, program and penalty fees are referred to collectively as “Franchise fees.” Franchise fees for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $3,806,000 and $3,374,000, respectively.

 

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The Partnership also pays Hilton a monthly information technology recapture charge of up to 0.75% of the Hotel’s gross revenues. Due to the difficult economic environment, Hilton agreed to reduce its information technology fees to 0.65%. For the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, those charges were $270,000 and $236,000, respectively.

 

Employees

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Partnership had approximately 268 employees. Approximately 72% of those employees were represented by one of three labor unions, and their terms of employment were determined under collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). During the year ended June 30, 2014, CBAs for the Local 2 (Hotel and Restaurant Employees), Local 856 (International Brotherhood of Teamsters), and Local 39 (stationary engineers) were renewed. Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, which includes not just terms and conditions of employment, but scope and coverage of employees, is a regular and expected course of business operations for the Partnership.

 

The Partnership expects and anticipates that the terms and conditions of the CBAs will have an impact on wage and benefit costs, operating expenses, and certain Hotel operations during the life of each CBA, and these terms and conditions are taken into account in the Hotel operating and budgetary practices.

 

Legal Matters

 

In August 2012, two current and four former employees of the Hotel commenced a putative wage and hour class action against the Partnership. The Complaint alleged that the Partnership failed to provide compliant meal periods, failed to authorize and permit compliant rest periods, failed to pay all regular and overtime wages due, failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, and failed to pay all wages owed upon termination of employment.

 

In February 2013, the Partnership agreed to settle the class action lawsuit for $525,000. The amount was accrued as of June 30, 2013 and is included as part of “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prism Hotels L.P. agreed to reimburse the Partnership for 50% of the total amount of the settlement and pay up to $300,000 of legal fees and defense costs incurred in defense of the lawsuit. During fiscal 2013, the Partnership incurred legal costs of $365,000 associated with the lawsuit, of which Prism agreed to pay $300,000 in accordance with the agreement. The amount due to Prism at June 30, 2013 for the management fee was applied against the receivable for the reimbursement of the settlement and legal costs. The Partnership insurance carrier awarded $225,000 in insurance proceeds as a result of a claim related to the settlement. Of the total proceeds, 50%, or $112,500, was allocated to the Partnership and the remaining amount was allocated to Prism. The insurance reimbursement awarded to the Partnership was offset against the related legal expense included as part of “General and administrative” expenses in the statements of income and partners’ accumulated deficit. During the year ended June 30, 2014 the Partnership paid the entire settlement of $525,000.

 

The City of San Francisco’s Tax Collector’s office has claimed that Justice owes the City of San Francisco $2.1 million based on the Tax Collector’s interpretation of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code relating to Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourist Improvement District Assessment. This amount exceeds Justice’s estimate of the taxes owed, and Justice has disputed the claim and is seeking to discharge all penalties and interest charges imposed by the Tax Collector. The Company paid the full amount in March 2014 as part of the appeals process but is reflecting the amount on the balance sheet in “Other Assets, Net” as it is currently under protest.

 

Several legal matters are pending relating to the redemption transaction described in Note 2. As previously stated in Note 2, on December 17, 2013, Documentary Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million was paid to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Documentary Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel to Operating and other documents related to the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership believes the amount of Documentary Transfer tax that was assessed by CCSF was incorrect, the tax was paid, under protest, to allow for the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of all related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund claim with the CCSF. No prediction can be made as to whether CCSF’s calculation of the tax will be upheld, or whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

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On February 13, 2014, Evon filed a complaint in San Francisco Superior Court against the Partnership, Portsmouth, and a limited partner and related party asserting contract and tort claims based on Justice’s withholding of $4.7 million from a payment due to Holdings to pay the transfer tax described in Note 2. On April 1, 2014, Defendants removed the action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Evon dismissed its complaint on April 8, 2014 and, that same day, filed a second complaint in San Francisco Superior Court substantially similar to the dismissed complaint, except for the omission of a federal cause of action. Evon’s current operative complaint in the action asserts causes of action for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against Justice only; breach of fiduciary duty against Portsmouth only; conversion against Justice and Portsmouth; and fraud/concealment against Justice, Portsmouth and a Justice limited partner and related party. In July 2014, Justice paid to Holdings a total of $4.7 million, the amount Evon claims was incorrectly withheld from Holdings to pay the transfer tax described in Note 8. No prediction can be given as to the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

On April 21, 2014, the Partnership commenced an arbitration action against Glaser Weil Fink Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP (formerly known as Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP), Brett J. Cohen, Gary N. Jacobs, Janet S. McCloud, Paul B. Salvaty, and Joseph K. Fletcher III (collectively, the “Respondents”) in connection with the redemption transaction. The arbitration is pending before JAMS in Los Angeles. No prediction can be given as to the outcome of this matter.

 

On June 27, 2014, the Partnership commenced an action in San Francisco Superior Court against Evon, Holdings, and those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure. The action seeks a declaration of the correct interpretation of (i) the special allocations sections of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Justice Investors, a California Limited Partnership, with an effective date of January 1, 2013; and (ii) whether certain partners who elected the alternative redemption structure breached the governing Limited Partnership Interest Redemption Option Agreement. The complaint states that these declarations are relevant to preparation of the Partnership’s 2013 and 2014 state and federal tax returns and the associated Forms K-1 to be issued to affected current and former partners. No prediction can be given as to the outcome of this matter.

 

The Partnership has timely filed its 2013 federal and state partnership income tax returns, however, depending on the ultimate outcome of the Partnership’s declaratory relief action filed in San Francisco Superior Court, the Partnership’s 2013 federal and state partnership income tax returns may be amended.

 

The Partnership is also involved from time to time in various claims in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe that the impact of such matters will have a material effect on the financial conditions or result of operations when resolved.

 

NOTE 18 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

 

Justice has a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the Plan) for non-union employees who have completed six months of service. Justice provides a matching contribution up to 4% of the contribution to the Plan based upon a certain percentage on the employees’ elective deferrals. Justice may also make discretionary contributions to the Plan each year. Contributions made to the Plan amounted to $53,000 and $56,000 during the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Certain employees of Justice who are members of various unions are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multi-employer health and welfare and benefit pension plans. Justice does not contribute separately to those multi-employer plans.

 

NOTE 19 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company has evaluated all events occurring subsequent to June 30, 2014 and concluded that no additional subsequent events has occurred outside the normal course of business operations that require disclosure.

 

On July 2, 2014, the Partnership obtained from the Intergroup Corporation (parent company of Portsmouth) an unsecured loan in the principal amount of $4,250,000 at 12% per year fixed interest, with a term of 2 years, payable interest only each month. Intergroup received a 3% loan fee. The loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The proceeds of the loan were applied to the July 2014 payments to Holdings described in Note 17 above.

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

 

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the fiscal period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this filing is accumulated and communicated to management and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, for the Company. In establishing adequate internal control over financial reporting, management has developed and maintained a system of internal control, policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information contained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and other information presented in this annual report is reliable, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact, and fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of and for the periods presented in this annual report.

 

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control Integrated Framework (1992 Framework). Based on its evaluation under that framework, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2014.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the last quarterly period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as of June 30, 2014:

 

Name   Position with the Company   Age   Term to Expire
             
John V. Winfield   Chairman of the Board; President   67   Fiscal 2014 Annual Meeting
    and Chief Executive Officer (1)        
             
Jerold R. Babin   Director(2)   80   Fiscal 2014 Annual Meeting
             
John C. Love   Director (1)(2)(3)   74   Fiscal 2014 Annual Meeting
             
William J. Nance   Director(1)(2)(3)   70   Fiscal 2014 Annual Meeting
             
Other Executive Officers:            
             
David T. Nguyen   Treasurer and Controller (Principal Financial Officer)   40   N/A

 

 

(1) Member of Securities Investment Committee

(2) Member of Audit Committee

(3) Member of Special Hotel Committee

 

Business Experience:

 

The principal occupation and business experience during the last five years for each of the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company are as follows:

 

John V. Winfield — Mr. Winfield was first elected to the Board in May of 1996 and currently serves as the Company's Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Winfield is also Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Portsmouth's parent company Santa Fe Financial Corporation (“Santa Fe”), a public company, having held those positions since April 1996. Mr. Winfield is also Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Santa Fe’s parent company, The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”), a public company, and has held those positions since 1987. Mr. Winfield also serves as Chairman of the Board of Comstock Mining, Inc. (NYSE MKT: LODE), a public company in which he was elected a Director on June 23, 2011. Mr. Winfield’s extensive experience as an entrepreneur and investor, as well as his managerial and leadership experience from serving as a chief executive officer and director of public companies, led to the Board’s conclusion that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

Jerold R. Babin — Mr. Babin was first appointed as a Director of the Company on February 1996. Mr. Babin is also a director of Portsmouth’s parent company, The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”), a public company. Mr. Babin is a retail securities broker. From 1974 to 1989, he worked at Drexel Burnham and from 1989 to June 30, 2010, he worked for Prudential Securities (later Wachovia Securities and now Wells Fargo Advisors) where he held the title of First Vice-President. Mr. Babin retired from his position at Wells Fargo advisors in June 2010. For the past 20 years, until present, Mr. Babin has also served as an arbitrator for FINRA (formerly NASD). Mr. Babin’s extensive experience in the securities and financial markets as well has his experience in the securities and public company regulatory industry led to the Board’s conclusion that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

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John C. Love — Mr. Love was appointed a Director of the Company on March 5, 1998. Mr. Love is an international hospitality and tourism consultant. He is a retired partner in the national CPA and consulting firm of Pannell Kerr Forster and, for the last 30 years, a lecturer in hospitality industry management control systems and competition & strategy at Golden Gate University and San Francisco State University. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Golden Gate University and the Executive Secretary of the Hotel and Restaurant Foundation. Mr. Love is also a Director of Santa Fe, having been appointed in March 2, 1999 and a Director of InterGroup, having been appointed in January 1998. Mr. Love’s extensive experience as a CPA and in the hospitality industry, including teaching at the university level for the last 30 years in management control systems, and his knowledge and understanding of finance and financial reporting, led to the Board’s conclusion that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

William J. Nance — Mr. Nance was first elected to the Board in May 1996. Mr. Nance is also a Director of Santa Fe having held that position since May 1996. He is the President and CEO of Century Plaza Printers, Inc., a company he founded in 1979. He has also served as a consultant in the acquisition and disposition of multi-family and commercial real estate. Mr. Nance is a Certified Public Accountant and, from 1970 to 1976, was employed by Kenneth Leventhal & Company where he was a Senior Accountant specializing in the area of REITS and restructuring of real estate companies, mergers and acquisitions, and all phases of real estate development and financing. Mr. Nance is a Director of InterGroup and has held such position since 1984. Mr. Nance also serves as a director of Comstock Mining, Inc. Mr. Nance’s extensive experience as a CPA and in numerous phases of the real estate industry, his business and management experience gained in running his own businesses, his service as a director and audit committee member for other public companies and his knowledge and understanding of finance and financial reporting, led to the Board’s conclusion that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

Michael G. Zybala - Mr. Zybala was appointed as Vice President and Secretary of the Company on February 20, 1998. He is also Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Santa Fe. Mr. Zybala is an attorney at law and has served as the Company’s General Counsel since 1995 and has represented the Company as its corporate counsel since 1978. Mr. Zybala also serves as Assistant Secretary and Counsel to InterGroup having held those positions since January 1999. In April 2014, Mr. Zybala passed away. The Company is in the process of finding a permanent replacement.

 

David T. Nguyen – Mr. Nguyen was appointed as Treasurer of the Company on February 27, 2003. Mr. Nguyen also serves as Treasurer of InterGroup and Santa Fe, having been appointed to those positions on February 26, 2003 and February 27, 2003, respectively. Mr. Nguyen is a Certified Public Accountant and, from 1995 to 1999, was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he was a Senior Accountant specializing in real estate. Mr. Nguyen has also served as the Company's Controller from 1999 to December 2001 and from December 2002 to present.

 

Family Relationships: There are no family relationships among directors, executive officers, or persons nominated or chosen by the Company to become directors or executive officers.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings: No director or executive officer, or person nominated or chosen to become a director or executive officer, was involved in any legal proceeding requiring disclosure.

 

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Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s officers and directors, and each beneficial owner of more than ten percent of the Common Stock of the Company, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

 

Based solely on its review of the copies of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company during its most recent fiscal year, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required for those persons, the Company believes that during fiscal 2014 all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors, and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners were complied with.

 

Code of Ethics.

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its executive officers, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions as well as its Board of Directors. A copy of the Code of Ethics is filed as Exhibit 14 to this Report. A copy is also posted on the Portsmouth page of its parent company’s website at www.intgla.com. The Company will provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of its Code of Ethics by sending such request to: Portsmouth Square, Inc., Attn: Treasurer, 10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150, Los Angeles, CA 90024. The Company will promptly disclose any amendments or waivers to its Code of Ethics on Form 8-K.

 

BOARD AND COMMITTEE INFORMATION

 

Portsmouth is an unlisted company and a Smaller Reporting Company under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). With the exception of the Company’s President and CEO, John V. Winfield, all of Portsmouth’s Board of Directors consists of “independent” directors as independence is defined by the applicable rules of the SEC and NASDAQ.

 

Procedures for Recommendations of Nominees to Board of Directors

 

There have been no changes to the procedures previously disclosed by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Portsmouth is an unlisted company and a Smaller Reporting Company under SEC rules and regulations. The Company’s Audit Committee is currently comprised of Directors William J. Nance (Chairperson) and John C. Love, each of whom are independent directors as independence is defined by the applicable rules of the SEC and NASDAQ, and as may be modified or supplemented. Each of these directors also meets the audit committee financial expert requirement based on their qualifications and business experience discussed above in this Item 10.

 

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Item 11. Executive Compensation.

 

The following table provides certain summary information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the Company’s principal executive officer and other named executive officers of the Company whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for all services rendered to the Company for each of the Company’s last two completed fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. No stock awards, long-term compensation, options or stock appreciation rights were granted to any of the named executive officers during the last two fiscal years.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Annual Compensation    
Name and  Fiscal           All Other     
Principal Position  Year   Salary   Bonus   Compensation   Total 
                     
John V. Winfield   2014   $165,000(1)  -  $117,000(4)(2)  $282,000 
Chairman; President and Chief Executive Officer   2013   $134,000(1)   -   $17,000(2)  $151,000 
                          
Michael G. Zybala(3)     2014   $126,000     $50,000(4)  $176,000 
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel   2013   $108,000   $15,000    -   $123,000 

 

 

(1) Amounts shown include $6,000 per year in regular Directors fees.

 

(2) During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company also paid annual premiums of $17,000 for a split dollar whole life insurance policy, owned by, and the beneficiary of which is, a trust for the benefit of Mr. Winfield’s family. This policy was obtained in December 1998 and provides for a death benefit of $1,000,000. The Company has a secured right to receive, from any proceeds of the policy, reimbursement of all premiums paid prior to any payments to the beneficiary.

 

(3) In April 2014, Michael G. Zybala passed away. The Company is in the process of finding a permanent replacement.

 

(4) In connection with the redemption of limited partnership interests of Justice in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, Justice agreed to pay a total of $1,550,000 in fees to certain officers and directors of the Company for services rendered in connection with the redemption of partnership interests, refinancing of Justice’s properties and reorganization of Justice Investors. The first payment under this agreement was made concurrently with the closing of the loan agreements, with the remaining payments due upon Justice having adequate available cash.

 

As a Smaller Reporting Company, Portsmouth has no compensation committee. Executive Officer compensation is set by disinterested members of the Board of Directors. Portsmouth has no stock option plan or stock appreciation rights for its executive officers. The Company has no pension or long-term incentive plans. There are no employment contracts between Portsmouth and any executive officer, and there are no termination-of-employment or change-in-control arrangements.

 

In fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, the disinterested members of the Board of Directors established a performance based compensation program for the Company’s CEO to keep and retain his services as a direct and active manager of the Company’s securities portfolio. Pursuant to the current criteria established by the Board, Mr. Winfield is entitled to performance based compensation for his management of the Company’s securities portfolio equal to 20% of all net investment gains generated in excess of an annual return equal to the Prime Rate of Interest (as published in the Wall Street Journal) plus 2%. Compensation amounts are calculated and paid quarterly based on the results of the Company’s investment portfolio for that quarter. Should the Company have a net investment loss during any quarter, Mr. Winfield would not be entitled to any further performance-based compensation until any such investment losses are recouped by the Company. This performance based compensation program may be further modified or terminated at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company’s CEO did not earn any performance based compensation for the years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

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Internal Revenue Code Limitations

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), provides that, in the case of a publicly held corporation, the corporation is not generally allowed to deduct remuneration paid to its chief executive officer and certain other highly compensated officers to the extent that such remuneration exceeds $1,000,000 for the taxable year. Certain remuneration, however, is not subject to disallowance, including compensation paid on a commission basis and, if certain requirements prescribed by the Code are satisfied, other performance based compensation. Since InterGroup, Santa Fe and Portsmouth are each public companies, the $1,000,000 limitation applies separately to the compensation paid by each entity. Stock option expenses are also amortized over a several years. For fiscal years 2014 and 2013, no compensation paid by the Company to its CEO or other executive officers was subject the deduction disallowance prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The following table provides information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the Company’s directors for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE

 

 

Name

  Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
   All Other
Compensation
  

 

Total

 
             
Jerold R. Babin  $6,000    -   $6,000 
                
John C. Love  $44,000(1)  $50,000(2)  $94,000 
                
William J. Nance  $44,000(3)  $50,000(2)  $94,000 
                
John V. Winfield(2)   -    -    - 

 

 

(1) Amounts shown include regular Board fees, Audit Committee fees and Hotel Committee fees.

 

(2)  In connection with the redemption of limited partnership interests of Justice in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, Justice agreed to pay a total of $1,550,000 in fees to certain officers and directors of the Company for services rendered in connection with the redemption of partnership interests, refinancing of Justice’s properties and reorganization of Justice Investors.  The first payment under this agreement was made concurrently with the closing of the loan agreements, with the remaining payments due upon Justice having adequate available cash. 

 

(3) As an executive officer, Mr. Winfield’s directors fees are reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

Each director of the Company is paid a Board retainer fee of $1,500 per quarter for a total annual compensation of $6,000. This policy has been in effect since July 1, 1985. Members of the Company’s Audit Committee also receive a fee of $500 per quarter. Directors and Committee members are also reimbursed for their out-of-pocket travel costs to attend meetings.

 

On February 26, 2004, the Board of Directors established a Special Hotel Committee to actively oversee the Company’s interests in Justice Investors and the repositioning and operations of the Hotel asset. The members of the Special Committee are Directors John C. Love (Chair), William J. Nance and the Company’s Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Michael G. Zybala. From July 2013 to December 2013, each Committee member, who are directors, received monthly fees of $2,500. This amount was increased to $3,500 per month beginning January 2014. In April 2014, Michael G. Zybala passed away. Jerold R. Babin was added to the Committee.

 

Change in Control or Other Arrangements

 

Except for the foregoing, there are no other arrangements for compensation of directors and there are no employment contracts between the Company and its directors or any change in control arrangements.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End.

 

The Company did not have any outstanding equity awards at the end of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 and has no equity compensation plans in effect.

 

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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The following table sets forth, as of September 3, 2014, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock owned by (i) those persons or groups known by the Company to own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each Director and Executive Officer, and (iii) all Directors and Executive Officers as a group.

 

Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
 

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership(1)

  

 

Percent of Class(2)

 
         
John V. Winfield   0    - 
10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150          
Los Angeles, CA 90024          
           
Jerold R. Babin   48,345(3)   6.6%
243 28th Street          
San Francisco, CA 94121          
           
John C. Love   0    - 
10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150          
Los Angeles, CA 90024          
           
William J. Nance   0    - 
10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150          
Los Angeles, CA 90024          
           
David T. Nguyen   0    - 
10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150          
Los Angeles, CA 90024          
           
Santa Fe Financial Corporation and   600,364(4)   81.8%
The InterGroup Corporation          
10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150          
Los Angeles, CA 90024          
           
All of the above as a group   648,644    88.4%

 

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.

 

(2) Percentages are calculated based of 734,183 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of September 3, 2014.

 

(3) Jerold R. Babin claims sole voting power over the 48,345 shares identified herein, of which he has sole dispositive power over 9,667 held in his retirement account. He claims shared dispositive power with his wife over the 38,478 shares which they hold as trustees of a family trust.

 

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(4) Santa Fe Financial Corporation is the record and beneficial owner of 505,437 shares of the Common Shares of Portsmouth and 94,927 shares are owned by Santa Fe’s parent company, The InterGroup Corporation. As directors of Santa Fe and InterGroup, Messrs. Winfield, Nance and Love have the power to direct the vote of the shares of Portsmouth owned by Santa Fe and InterGroup.

 

Security Ownership of Management in Parent Corporation.

 

As of September 3, 2014, John V. Winfield is the beneficial owner of 49,400 shares of the common stock of Portsmouth’s parent corporation, Santa Fe. The InterGroup Corporation is the beneficial owner of 1,004,077 shares of common stock of Santa Fe. Pursuant to a Voting Trust Agreement dated June 30, 1998, InterGroup also has the power to vote the 49,400 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Winfield giving it a total of 1,053,477 voting shares, which represents approximately 84.8% of the voting power of Santa Fe. As President, Chairman of the Board and a 64.4% beneficial shareholder of InterGroup, Mr. Winfield has voting and dispositive power over the shares owned of record and beneficially by InterGroup. No other director or executive officer of Portsmouth has a beneficial interest in Santa Fe’s shares.

 

Changes in Control Arrangements.

 

There are no arrangements that may result in a change in control of Portsmouth.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.

 

Portsmouth has no securities authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

As of September 3, 2014, Santa Fe and InterGroup owned 81.8% of the common stock of Portsmouth, and InterGroup and John V. Winfield, in the aggregate, owned approximately 84.8% of the voting stock of Santa Fe.

 

Certain costs and expenses, primarily rent, insurance and general administrative expenses, are allocated between the Company, Santa Fe, and InterGroup based on management’s estimate of the utilization of resources. Effective June 30, 1998, certain accounting and administrative functions of the Company and its subsidiaries, were transferred to the Los Angeles, California offices of InterGroup.

 

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company made payments to InterGroup in the total amount of approximately $72,000 for each of those years, for administrative costs and reimbursement of direct and indirect costs associated with the management of the Company and its investments, including the Partnership asset.

 

In connection with the redemption of limited partnership interests of Justice in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, Justice agreed to pay a total of $1,550,000 in fees to certain officers and directors of the Company for services rendered in connection with the redemption of partnership interests, refinancing of Justice’s properties and reorganization of Justice Investors.  The first payment under this agreement was made concurrently with the closing of the loan agreements, with the remaining payments due upon Justice having adequate available cash.

 

Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc. (GMP), a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement.  The management agreement with GMP has a term of 3 years, but may be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause.  Under the agreement, GMP is required to advise the Partnership on the management and operation of the hotel; administer the Partnership’s contracts, leases, agreements with hotel managers and franchisors and other contracts and agreements; provide administrative and asset management services, oversee financial reporting, and maintain offices at the Hotel in order to facilitate provision of services.   GMP is paid an annual base management fee of $325,000 per year, increasing by 5% per year, payable in monthly installments, and to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by GMP in performing its obligations under the agreement.  During the year ended June 30, 2014, GMP was reimbursed for $235,000, for the salaries, benefits and local payroll taxes for three key employees.  Management fees paid to GMP during the year ended June 30, 2014 were $424,000.

 

As Chairman of the Securities Investment Committee, the Company’s President and Chief Executive officer, John V. Winfield, oversees the investment activity of the Company in public and private markets pursuant to authority granted by the Board of Directors. Mr. Winfield also serves as Chief Executive Officer of Santa Fe and InterGroup and oversees the investment activity of those companies. Depending on certain market conditions and various risk factors, the Chief Executive Officer, his family, Santa Fe and InterGroup may, at times, invest in the same companies in which the Company invests. The Company encourages such investments because it places personal resources of the Chief Executive Officer and his family members, and the resources of Santa Fe and InterGroup, at risk in connection with investment decisions made on behalf of the Company.

 

In December 1998, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to obtain whole life insurance and split dollar insurance policies covering the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Winfield. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Company paid annual premiums of $17,000 for the split dollar whole life insurance policy, owned by, and the beneficiary of which is, a trust for the benefit of Mr. Winfield’s family. The Company has a secured right to receive, from any proceeds of the policy, reimbursement of all premiums paid prior to any payments to the beneficiary.

 

There are no other relationships or related transactions between the Company and any of its officers, directors, five-percent security holders or their families that require disclosure.

 

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Director Independence

 

Portsmouth is an unlisted company and a Smaller Reporting Company under the rules and regulations of the SEC. With the exception of the Company’s President and CEO, John V. Winfield, all of Portsmouth’s Board of Directors consists of “independent” directors as independence is defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and NASDAQ.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

 

Audit Fees - The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 for professional services rendered by Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc., the independent registered public accounting firm for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-Q reports or services normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years, were as follows:

 

   Fiscal Year 
   2014   2013 
         
Audit fees  $135,000   $95,000 
Audit related fees   -    - 
Tax fees   -    - 
All other fees   -    - 
           
   TOTAL:  $135,000   $95,000 

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies

 

The Audit Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent registered public accounting firm, subject to any de minimus exceptions that may be set for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the Committee prior to the completion of the audit. The Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees consisting of one or more members when appropriate, including the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services, provided that decisions of such subcommittee to grant pre-approvals shall be presented to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting. All of the services described herein were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to its pre-approval policies.

 

None of the hours expended on the independent registered public accounting firms’ engagement to audit the Company’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the independent registered public accounting firm’s full-time permanent employees.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(a)(1) Financial Statements

 

The following financial statements of the Company are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report at

pages 22 through 44:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2014 and 2013

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit for years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for years ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

 

All other schedules for which provision is made in Regulation S-X have been omitted because they

are not required or are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated

financial statements or notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

(a)(3) Exhibits

 

Set forth below is an index of applicable exhibits filed with this report according to exhibit table number.

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
     
3.(i)   Articles of Incorporation*
     
3.(ii)   Bylaws (amended February 16, 2000) incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-KSB filed with the Commission on March 19, 2000.
     
4.   Instruments defining the rights of security holders including indentures (See Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws)*
     
10.   Material Contracts:
     
10.1   Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Justice Investors, effective November 30, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Commission on February 11, 2011).
     
10.2   General Partner Compensation Agreement, dated December 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Commission on February 12, 2009).

 

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10.3   Franchise License Agreement, dated December 10, 2004, between Justice Investors and Hilton Hotels (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s amended report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, as filed with the Commission on August 24, 2012).
     
10.4   Management Agreement, dated February 2, 2012, between Justice Investors and Prism Hospitality, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s amended report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, as filed with the Commission on August 24, 2012).
     
14.   Code of Ethics (filed herewith).
     
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
     
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
     
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
     
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

* All exhibits marked by an asterisk have been previously filed with other documents, including Registrant's Form 10 filed on October 27, 1967, and subsequent filings on Forms 8-K, 10-K, 10-KSB, 10-Q and 10-QSB, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    PORTSMOUTH SQUARE, INC.
    (Registrant)
     
Date: September 29, 2014 by /s/ John V. Winfield
    John V. Winfield, President,
    Chairman of the Board and
    Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: September 29, 2014 by /s/ David T. Nguyen
    David T. Nguyen, Treasurer
    and Controller

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signatures   Title and Position   Date
         
/s/ John V Winfield   President, Chief Operating Officer and Chairman   September 29, 2014
John V. Winfield   of the Board (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ David T. Nguyen   Treasurer and Controller (Principal Financial Officer)   September 29, 2014
David T. Nguyen        
         
/s/ Jerold R. Babin   Director   September 29, 2014
Jerold R. Babin        
         
/s/ John C. Love        
John C. Love   Director   September 29, 2014
         
/s/ William J. Nance        
William J. Nance   Director   September 29, 2014

 

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